Match must go on: Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing in PIL to cancel India–Pakistan Asia Cup game

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to allow urgent listing of the public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking cancellation of the upcoming India–Pakistan T20 cricket match scheduled to be held in Dubai on September 14 as part of the Asia Cup.

The petition filed by four law students led by Urvashi Jain was mentioned before a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi.

The counsel for the petitioners sought listing of the case on Friday in light of the fact that the match is scheduled for Sunday, September 14.

"The match is on Sunday. Please list it tomorrow," it was submitted.

"The match must go on," the Bench said in response.

"I may have a bad case but please get it listed," the lawyer insisted.

"No, nothing," the Court said

According to the petitioners, organising a cricket match with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, in which Indian civilians and soldiers sacrificed their lives, sends a message inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.

As per the plea filed, cricket cannot be placed above national interest, the lives of citizens or the sacrifices of armed personnel.

The petitioners have also sought directions for implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

The petition was filed through advocates Sneha Rani, Abhishek Verma and Md. Anas Chaudhary