The Supreme Court of India has refused to urgently list a petition seeking the cancellation of the upcoming cricket match between India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. A bench comprising Justices J. K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed the request, questioning the urgency and stating, "It's a match; let it be."
The petitioners, four law students led by Urvashi Jain, argued that hosting the game amid recent events like the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor undermines national dignity and public sentiment, potentially hurting the morale of armed forces and victims' families.
The plea highlighted that cricket, meant to symbolise harmony, sends a contradictory message when played with a nation accused of harbouring terrorists. It emphasised that prioritising entertainment over national security and the sacrifices of soldiers is detrimental to India's interests. The court, however, noted that the match's proximity made intervention impractical, allowing it to proceed as planned.
This decision underscores the balance between sports diplomacy and geopolitical tensions. India and Pakistan's cricketing rivalry has long been intertwined with bilateral relations, often paused during conflicts. The Asia Cup match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will go ahead, reflecting the court's stance that such events should not be hastily disrupted without compelling reasons.
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