“Game must go on": Top court on India–Pak match

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined an urgent hearing of a PIL seeking cancellation of the India–Pakistan cricket match scheduled for September 14 in Dubai as part of the T20 Asia Cup.

The petitioners argued that playing a cricket match against Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack was “against national interest” and would “belittle the sacrifices” of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives.

During a brief mention, counsel for the petitioners urged the bench to list the matter on Friday, saying, “The match is on Sunday. Please list it tomorrow.” Justice JK Maheshwari, however, shot down the request, remarking, “The match must go on.” When the lawyer pressed further, even admitting “I may have a bad case,” the court maintained, “No, nothing,” refusing to intervene.

The PIL, filed under Article 32, also sought directions to bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the purview of the Ministry of Sports and ensure implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, to make cricketing decisions more accountable.

Despite the plea, the high-profile India–Pakistan match, traditionally the most watched fixture in cricket, remains on schedule and is expected to draw record viewership as both sides clash for the first time since India’s Asia Cup win last year.