‘Match Must Go On’: SC Declines PIL Against India–Pakistan Clash
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to urgently hear a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought cancellation of the upcoming India–Pakistan T20 Asia Cup match scheduled in Dubai on September 14.
The plea, filed by four law students led by Urvashi Jain, was mentioned before a Bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi. The petitioners’ counsel requested that the case be listed on Friday, stressing that the match was only two days away.
“The match is on Sunday. Please list it tomorrow,” the lawyer urged.
“The match must go on,” the Bench replied, refusing the request.
Even after the lawyer added, “I may have a bad case but please get it listed,” the Court firmly said, “No, nothing.”
The petition argued that holding a cricket match with Pakistan soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor—where Indian soldiers and civilians lost their lives—would send a message that goes against national dignity and public sentiment. It stressed that cricket cannot be placed above the sacrifices of citizens and armed forces.
The plea also sought directions for the enforcement of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The petition was filed through advocates Sneha Rani, Abhishek Verma, and Md. Anas Chaudhary.
