The Supreme Court on Thursday declined an urgent hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking cancellation of the upcoming India-Pakistan T20 clash scheduled for September 14 in Dubai under the Asia Cup 2025, Bar and Benchreported.
A lawyer appearing in the matter urged the court to list the petition on Friday, arguing that the plea would become ineffective once the match is played. The Bench, however, dismissed the request, stating, “What is the urgency? It’s just a match, let it be. The match must go on.”
The PIL, filed by four law students led by Urvashi Jain, contended that holding a cricket match with Pakistan shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor was against the spirit of national dignity and public sentiment, PTI reported.
The petitioners argued that cricket is often seen as a symbol of goodwill between nations, but at a time when Indian soldiers had laid down their lives in counter-terror operations, playing against Pakistan conveyed the wrong message. “It undermines the sacrifices of our soldiers while the same country continues to harbour terrorists,” the plea said.
The students further maintained that organising the match was “detrimental to national interests and the morale of the armed forces”, adding that national dignity and citizens’ security must take precedence over sporting entertainment.
Meanwhile, in the Asia Cup 2025, India began their campaign with a nine-wicket victory over the UAE on Wednesday. Their final group-stage fixture is scheduled against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament will move into the Super 4 stage from September 20 to 26, with the top two teams from each group advancing. If India finishes first in Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be played in Dubai. If placed second, one match will be held in Abu Dhabi and the remaining two in Dubai. The Asia Cup final is set to take place in Dubai on September 28.
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