India and Pakistan are set to meet in the Asia Cup 2025 despite tense political ties and ongoing public debate.
The Petition in Supreme Court
Just days before the high-profile India vs Pakistan T20 match in Dubai on September 14, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution. The petition, led by Ms. Urvashi Jain on behalf of four law students, sought urgent directions to cancel the game.
The petitioners argued that hosting the match after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor dishonors national dignity and the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and civilians. They claimed that sporting ties with a nation accused of harboring terrorism demoralize the Armed Forces and hurt families of martyrs.
Counsel even remarked in court: “I may have a bad case, but please list before you.”
The Court’s Response
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi refused to entertain the plea. Justice Maheshwari noted: “What is the urgency? It’s a match, let it be. The match is this Sunday, what can be done?” The court made it clear that cricket cannot be treated as a matter of judicial urgency.
The Larger Controversy
This is not the first time an India-Pakistan fixture has triggered boycott calls. The BCCI, however, has clarified that it follows the central government’s policy: India will not play bilateral cricket with Pakistan but will participate in multinational tournaments.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that pulling out of such tournaments could invite sanctions from global bodies like the Asian Cricket Council or ICC, which would damage Indian cricket and players’ careers.
Balancing Policy and Sentiment
The government’s stand aims to balance national sentiment with sporting commitments. While India continues to avoid bilateral series with Pakistan, it remains bound by international obligations in multi-team events.
Despite the petition, the Asia Cup 2025 clash will go ahead as scheduled, with Dubai preparing to host one of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket.
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