Rohit Sharma Arrives in Raipur for IPL Clash, Pandya Remains Absent

Mumbai Indians touched down in Raipur without captain Hardik Pandya for the May 10 match against RCB, as the district administration rolls out new digital ticketing rules to curb black marketing.

Casual Snacks & Captain’s Absence

Mumbai Indians touched down in Raipur on Wednesday afternoon, but it was a casual moment involving the former captain that caught the attention of onlookers. As the team bus rolled out of the Raipur Airport premises, Rohit Sharma was spotted relaxing with a packet of namkeen. The visuals, which quickly made rounds on social media, showed the senior batter in a relatively relaxed mood ahead of the high-stakes clash.

The team landed at the domestic terminal in Mumbai before departing for Chhattisgarh. However, those tracking the squad’s arrival noted that captain Hardik Pandya was not with the group. Sources indicate that Pandya did not travel with the squad, and it remains unclear if he will join later or miss the fixture entirely.

Pressure on Suryakumar Yadav

Pandya had already missed the team’s previous game against Lucknow Super Giants due to what the team management described as a "back spasm." During that match, Suryakumar Yadav led the side. With the Raipur game just days away, there is no official confirmation on a change in leadership yet. Local fans waiting at the airport seemed slightly disappointed, though many were eager to spot Rohit and other stars exiting the terminal.

Administration Steps In

With the match scheduled for 7:30 PM on May 10 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, the district administration is leaving little to chance. Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh held a coordination meeting with the Chhattisgarh Cricket Association on Wednesday.

Discussions focused on traffic diversions, fire safety, and disaster management protocols. Officials confirmed that standard operating procedures will be enforced strictly. Volunteers will be stationed at every gate to ensure crowd control doesn’t collapse during peak hours.

Digital Tickets Only to Beat Black Marketing

One of the biggest talking points this season is the shift to a completely digital M-ticket system. Organizers have confirmed that physical tickets will not be issued. Every attendee must present a QR code for scanning, which will only become active a few hours before the gates open on match day.

- Transfer limit: Each M-ticket can be transferred only once.

- Age policy: Children above two years require a separate ticket.

- Entry gates: Spectators must use the gate number mentioned on their ticket.

Officials claim this system has been introduced specifically to curb black marketing and prevent fake entries. Re-entry into the stadium will not be permitted under any circumstances.

Merit Students to Watch for Free

In a separate development, the school education department has arranged for free match viewing for students who secured positions in the Class 10 and 12 merit lists. According to the official directive, these students must be brought to the SCERT campus in Raipur by 10 am on May 10. From there, they will be escorted to the stadium. The move has been welcomed by parents, who see it as a motivational push for academic performers.

Looking Ahead

While RCB is expected to arrive in the city on May 8, ticket sales for the second match scheduled for May 12 have already opened on the official website. For now, Mumbai Indians will have a couple of practice sessions to adjust to the pitch conditions here. Whether Hardik Pandya makes a late recovery or Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead remains the biggest suspense ahead of Saturday evening’s showdown.

Bhopal-Indore Metro will roll out its Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system from April 27, shifting ticketing operations at metro stations to a fully digital format. The new system will allow passengers in both cities to buy tickets online through QR-based modes instead of relying on manual ticket issuance.

The move marks a key operational upgrade for the metro network in Madhya Pradesh, where the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) is introducing automated fare management to improve commuter convenience and reduce transaction time at stations.

Digital ticketing shift

Under the new arrangement, passengers travelling on Bhopal-Indore Metro will be able to access tickets through digital channels, including paper QR tickets and mobile QR tickets. The AFC system is designed to streamline entry and exit at metro stations through automated scanning and validation.

According to officials, the system will reduce dependence on manual counters and improve turnaround time during peak hours. It will also support faster passenger movement and lower waiting time for ticket purchase.

Discounts for riders

To encourage adoption, MPMRCL has announced multiple fare concessions for commuters using the new system. Passengers opting for round-trip tickets will receive a 5 per cent discount on the total fare, offering a direct benefit to daily riders making return journeys on the same day.

Group travel will also attract fare relief. A 10 per cent discount will apply on group tickets booked for a minimum of eight and a maximum of 40 passengers under a single booking. Officials said the provision is aimed at making metro travel more attractive for organised groups and institutional commuters.

App wallet benefits

The official MP Metro mobile application will play a central role in the new fare collection model. Through the app, passengers can book mobile QR tickets and recharge their metro wallet for future travel.

MPMRCL has also introduced slab-based discounts on wallet recharges made through the app. Recharge values between Rs 200 and Rs 499 will receive an 8 per cent benefit. Recharges from Rs 500 to Rs 999 will attract a 10 per cent discount, while Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,499 will receive 12 per cent relief. Passengers recharging between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 will receive the highest discount of 15 per cent.

Ticketing options open

The metro operator has retained multiple ticketing options to accommodate different commuter needs. Paper QR tickets will remain available at TOM counters and customer service centres, where passengers can pay using cash or UPI.

Mobile QR tickets, however, are expected to become the preferred mode as they can be booked directly through the MP Metro app using digital payment options. The application is available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing wider access for smartphone users.

Rules for usage

Officials said the metro wallet created within the MP Metro app will be restricted to ticket purchases only. The stored amount can be used exclusively for buying metro tickets and cannot be withdrawn or refunded under any circumstances.

This condition is expected to ensure dedicated usage of digital balances within the metro ecosystem while simplifying fare accounting for the operator.

What changes next

The introduction of AFC is expected to modernise fare operations across Bhopal-Indore Metro and align the service with digital transit systems already in use in other urban networks. The transition is also part of a wider push towards contactless travel, digital ticketing and commuter-friendly transport infrastructure.

According to officials, the Bhopal-Indore Metro upgrade is expected to improve station efficiency, support faster boarding and strengthen urban mobility in the state. For passengers, the Bhopal-Indore Metro AFC rollout brings lower fares, quicker access and a more seamless travel experience.