Asia Cup 2025: PIL in Supreme Court seeks cancellation of India-Pakistan match

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the India-Pakistan cricket match scheduled for September 14 as part of the Asia Cup T20 tournament. India is currently playing UAE in the continental tournament.

The plea has been moved by four petitioners, all law students, who argue that holding the match in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor is against the national interest and undermines the sacrifices made by the armed forces as well as civilians who lost their lives.

"Playing with Pakistan sent the opposite message that while our soldiers sacrificing their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same country sheltering terrorists. It can also hurt the sentiments of the families of the victims who lost their lives in the hand of the Pakistani terrorist. The dignity of the nation and security of citizens come before entertainment" the plea states as per Live Law.

The petitioners contend that cricket cannot be placed above national security, the lives of citizens, or the sacrifices of the armed personnel. They argue that allowing the match to continue is detrimental to the security, integrity, and morale of the nation.

Apart from seeking cancellation of the high-profile India-Pakistan clash, the petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to direct the Ministry of Youth Affairs to implement the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. They have further requested that season ball cricket be brought under the control of the National Sports Federation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also been made a party-respondent. The plea stresses that it is high time that the BCCI is brought under the purview of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and made accountable to the framework laid down in the Act.

The petition argues that once the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, is operationalized, the BCCI would necessarily fall under the authority of the National Sports Board established under the law, ensuring transparency, oversight, and compliance with national interests. The PIL has been filed through Advocate-on-Record Ansar Ahmad Chaudhary.