On Thursday, the Supreme Court declined a request for urgent listing of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking cancellation of the upcoming India–Pakistan T20 cricket match, scheduled to be played in Dubai on September 14 as part of the Asia Cup.
A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi was approached by counsel for the petitioners, a group of four law students led by Urvashi Jain, who sought listing of the matter on Friday given the proximity of the match date. The Bench, however, firmly remarked that “the match must go on,” refusing to accede to the request.
According to the plea, organising a cricket match against Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, where both civilians and security personnel sacrificed their lives, was inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment. It was argued that cricket could not be placed above national interest or the sacrifices made by armed forces.
The petitioners further sought directions for implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
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