Following the declaration of the Asia Cup 2025 timeline, conversations have been ongoing regarding the appropriateness of a cricket match between India and Pakistan, given the strained diplomatic circumstances between the nations. This debate gained momentum following the events at Pahalgam, succeeded by Operation Sindoor. Now, in the days preceding the much-awaited IND vs PAK game, a Public Interest Litigation was submitted to the highest court, aiming for the contest to be called off. This game is currently slated for Sunday, September 14.
Will IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 match be cancelled? Supreme Court of India issues key verdict on PIL
The Supreme Court has elected not to prioritize the hearing of the petition at this time, which essentially gives the go-ahead for the match to proceed as intended. The case was brought before a panel consisting of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, with the legal representative for the individuals making the petition requesting that the hearing be scheduled for the following day. When the counsel noted that the match was scheduled for Sunday, September 14, and that the petition’s purpose would be negated if it was not addressed, the judges stood firm.
According to Livelaw.in, the Court’s position was unwavering, and Justice Maheshwari’s comments made this abundantly apparent. “What necessitates this being urgently addressed? It’s a game, let it happen,” the judge stated from the start. He further elaborated, “The game is this Sunday? What action is available to us at this point? Allow it to proceed. The game should continue,” In spite of the counsel’s repeated requests that the matter be at least scheduled for a hearing, regardless of its potential merits, the panel turned down the appeal. Justice Maheshwari restated his position, commenting, “Every day, be it one team or another, a game is taking place…one ball…”, solidifying the Court’s ultimate determination not to interfere in any way with the sporting event.
PIL argues cricket ‘belittles’ sacrifices; seeks sports governance reform
The Public Interest Litigation was initiated by a group of four law students who put forward the argument that India engaging in a cricket match with Pakistan went against the country’s best interests, most notably in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror incident and Operation Sindoor. The petition argued that “playing against Pakistan conveys the contradictory impression that as our soldiers are giving their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same nation that is giving safe harbor to terrorists,”
The petitioners also asserted that the match might potentially “also be painful for the families of those who were killed by Pakistani terrorists,” They stated with conviction that “the nation’s honor and the safety of its people are more important than entertainment,” Aside from their request to have the match canceled, the petitioners’ legal filing also included a demand for the Ministry of Youth Affairs to put into effect the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which they argued would subject the BCCI to government oversight.
