New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined an urgent hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the cancellation of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup T20 cricket match scheduled in Dubai on September 14.
The Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi observed during proceedings, “Match is this Sunday? What can we do about that? Let it be. The match should go on!”
The counsel for the petitioners had urged that the matter be listed for at least a hearing, irrespective of the strength of the case. However, the Justice Maheshwari-led Bench refused the request for an urgent listing, reiterating that the match should proceed as scheduled.
The PIL, filed by four law students, argued that organising a cricket match with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor sends a message inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.
It contended that engaging in sports with Pakistan, a country accused of sheltering terrorism, undermines the morale of the Armed Forces and causes anguish to the families of martyrs and victims of terrorism.
“Cricket cannot be placed above national interest, the lives of citizens, or the sacrifices of armed personnel,” the plea stated. It further argued that the T20 match could hurt the sentiments of families who lost loved ones to Pakistani terrorists, and that the dignity of the nation and security of citizens should take precedence over entertainment.
The PIL also highlighted that hosting the India-Pakistan game sends a message that entertainment and revenue generation are prioritised over the lives of brave soldiers and civilians. It called the scheduled match “a mockery of the emotions of all the citizens of India” and urged steps to bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the purview of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
With IANS inputs