Ever since the Asia Cup 2025 schedule was announced in July, the BCCI has faced significant criticism for agreeing to play against Pakistan as the tensions between two nations are at an all-time high following the Pahalgam terror attack and retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
The arch-rivals are slated to square off on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium in a Group A fixture. They might face each other thrice in the continental showpiece, provided both teams make it to the Super 4s and final.
With only a few days remaining for the marquee clash, a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court, seeking cancellation of the high-profile contest.
However, the bench, comprising justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi refused to hear the matter, saying it's just a match, NDTV reported.
According to the report, a Public Interest Litigation under Article 32 of the Constitution was filed on behalf of four law students led by Ms. Urvashi Jain. The petition sought urgent directions to cancel the India versus Pakistan match in the Asia Cup.
Here's how the conversation between the counsel and the bench of judges unfolded:
Counsel: I may have a bad case, but please list before you.
Justice Maheshwari: What is the urgency? It's a match, let it be. Match is this Sunday, what can be done?
The plea stated that playing a cricket match with Pakistan in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor sends a message inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.
It was also argued that engaging in sporting activities with a nation that shelters terrorism undermines the morale of the Armed Forces and causes agony to the families of victims.
The petitioners also said that cricket cannot be placed above national interest, the lives of citizens, or the sacrifices of armed personnel. However, the court refrained from hearing the matter on urgent basis.
Last month, the Sports Ministry said India won’t engage in any bilateral sporting clash with Pakistan, but the cricket team’s participation in multilateral tournaments will not be stopped.
“In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India," a statement from Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said.
“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events. Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India," it added.
