ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday refused an urgent hearing on a petition seeking cancellation of the Pakistan-India Asia Cup match scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, NDTV reported.
The bench, consisting of justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, refused to hear the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by four law students, saying it’s just a match.
The PIL argued that playing Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor would send a message inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.
The petition further contended that cricket could not be placed above national security, citizens’ lives, or the sacrifices of soldiers.
“Match is this Sunday? What can we do about that? Let it be. The match should go on,” Justice Maheshwari observed during the brief hearing.
The petitioners’ counsel urged that the plea at least be listed for consideration, regardless of its merit.
However, the Bench declined the request for urgent listing and reiterated that the match would proceed as scheduled.
