New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to urgently hear a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought cancellation of the India–Pakistan cricket match scheduled for September 14 in the Asia Cup T20 tournament. The matter was taken up before a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi. It was, however, unmoved.
When a counsel pressed for the matter to be listed on Friday, Justice Maheswari said “What is the urgency? It’s a match, let it be.” The lawyer then pointed out that the match is scheduled for Sunday and that the plea would become infructuous if it wasn’t heard urgently. Justice Maheshwari replied: “Match is this Sunday? What can we do about that? Let it be. The match should go on.”
Though the counsel made repeated requests, the bench refused. “Every day, one side, other side, there’s a match… one ball….”
Who had moved court? Four law students had filed the petition. They had argued that India playing against Pakistan, so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, was “against national interest.” They also stated that it undermines the sacrifices of armed forces and civilians, who became victims of the attack.
What the petition states? “Playing with Pakistan sends the opposite message—that while our soldiers are sacrificing their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same country sheltering terrorists. It can also hurt the sentiments of the families of the victims. The dignity of the nation and security of citizens come before entertainment,” the plea, as quoted by Hindustan Times, stated.
What more the petitioner urged? The petitioners asked the court to direct the ministry of youth affairs to implement the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. They also urged the court to bring “season ball” cricket under the ambit of a recognized National Sports Federation.
‘Bring BCCI under sports ministry’: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had been impleaded as a respondent. The petitioners, led by Urvashi Jain, also pleaded before the court to bring BCCI under the purview of the sports ministry.
