New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to urgently hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the suspension of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 match, scheduled for September 14 as part of the ongoing Asia Cup tournament. The petition, filed in the wake of recent terror incidents, argued that holding the match goes against national interest and public sentiment.
The request for early listing was mentioned before a bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi, but the judges dismissed the urgency of the matter.
“It’s just a match. Let it go on,” said Justice Maheshwari, brushing aside the plea to list the matter for hearing before the weekend.
The counsel appearing for the petitioners argued that the case would lose relevance if not heard before Sunday, to which the bench responded that the Court cannot intervene in every matter of public sentiment, especially in matters related to sports.
Petition Alleges Match Undermines National Sacrifices
The PIL was filed by four law students, who expressed concern over India participating in a cricket match with Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The petition contends that continuing with the match sends a “conflicting and inappropriate message” to the public and particularly to the families of those affected by cross-border terrorism.
“At a time when the country is grieving and paying tribute to brave soldiers, engaging in a cricket match with the very nation sheltering perpetrators of terrorism is not only insensitive, it dishonours their sacrifices,” the petitioners stated.
They claimed that such engagements during times of heightened tension risk appearing as an act of normalisation with a hostile neighbour.
Demand for Regulatory Reform in Sports Governance
Aside from the call to cancel the upcoming fixture, the petition also urged the implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, a recent piece of legislation intended to streamline sports regulation in India. The petitioners argued that if properly implemented, the Act would bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under direct government oversight.
They highlighted the need for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to assume regulatory authority over professional cricket in India, especially in matters that touch upon foreign relations and national integrity.
According to the petition, the BCCI currently operates with excessive autonomy, without adhering to broader national or public policy considerations.
Judiciary Unmoved by Plea’s Timing
Despite the emotional and nationalistic undertones of the plea, the Supreme Court refused to intervene on short notice. The bench maintained that such matters fall outside the purview of urgent judicial action.
“What can be done now? It’s a Sunday match. These are not the kind of matters we list urgently,” said Justice Maheshwari.
He added that numerous matches take place regularly and that courts cannot step in for every sporting event, even if emotions run high.
Match Likely to Proceed as Planned
With the Court declining urgent hearing, the high-profile match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is now expected to proceed without legal roadblocks. The game has drawn massive attention from fans and media across both nations, especially given the political backdrop and security sensitivities.
