'Match should go on' says SC; refuses urgent hearing on PIL to cancel Indo

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant urgent listing of a PIL petition seeking directions to cancel the upcoming India–Pakistan T20 Asia Cup cricket match scheduled to be held in Dubai on September 14.

“What is the urgency? It's a match, let it be… Match is this Sunday…What can we do in that...? Let it be. The match should go on,” a Bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi said after the petitioners counsel sought urgent listing of the petition on Friday as the match was scheduled to be played on Sunday (September 14).

"I may have a bad case but please get it listed," the counsel insisted.

"No, no... nothing," said an uninclined Bench.

Contending that cricket is not above national interest, the PIL filed by four law students led by Urvashi Jain has sought directions to cancel the India–Pakistan T20 Asia Cup cricket match to be held in Dubai on September 14.

The petitioners submitted that organising a cricket match with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in which Indian civilians and soldiers sacrificed their lives, would send a message inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.

They contended that cricket cannot be placed above national interest, the lives of citizens or the sacrifices of the armed forces. The continuation of this match would be detrimental to the security, integrity, and morale of the nation, the petitioners said.

"Playing with Pakistan sent the opposite message that while our soldiers sacrifice their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same country sheltering terrorists. It can also hurt the sentiments of the families of the victims who lost their lives in the hand of the Pakistani terrorist. The dignity of the nation and security of citizens come before entertainment" the petitioners submitted.

The petitioners have also demanded implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

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