Ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Zimbabwe clash, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has stepped up in a big way to make it a memorable day for the fans attending the match on Thursday, February 26. The CMRL announced complimentary metro rides for match ticket holders, aiming to ease travel for spectators attending the game at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk. Fans can use their physical match tickets, which contain a unique QR code, to access metro services by scanning the code at Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates.
Each ticket holder is allowed a single round trip from any metro station to the Government Estate Metro station and back on match day. The initiative is designed to manage the expected full attendance at the stadium. CMRL has planned special late-night operations, extending train services until midnight to accommodate post-match travel demand. The last trains on Thursday will depart from Government Estate station at 12:00 am, with one headed towards Wimco Nagar Depot and another toward the Airport line.
To ensure smooth transitions for late-night travelers, CMRL has introduced a Green Line interchange restriction after 11:00 pm. Passengers needing to transfer to the Green Line during this period will only be able to do so at Chennai Central station. Entry into the Government Estate station will close ten minutes before the last train’s departure, so commuters are advised to plan their arrivals accordingly.
“Metro Rail Service to Provide Extended Train Service to Cater to Audience for T20 World Cup Cricket Match in Chennai Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is delighted to announce a special collaboration with Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to ensure seamless and convenient travel for fans attending the Super 8 match of the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2026 – India vs Zimbabwe, scheduled on 26th February 2026 at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai.”
“As part of this initiative, event organizer is sponsoring Metro rides for match attendees on the event day. Importantly, match tickets (unique QR codes) will also serve as CMRL Metro tickets, distributed by the event organizer to the match attendees. Each match tickets valid for one round trip on the day of the event (i.e. 26th February 2026),” read the statement from CMRL.
INDIA IN MUST-WIN SITUATION
The Super 8 clash will be a high-stakes game for India as the hosts cannot afford a loss at this stage. After their heavy loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad, India will need to beat Zimbabwe on Thursday and hope that the result in the South Africa vs West Indies game will go in their favour.
A loss to Zimbabwe will mean that the defending champions are all but out of the competition, spoiling their title defence dreams.
