PIL In SC Seeks Cancellation of India-Pakistan Asia Cup T20 Match

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking urgent directions to cancel the upcoming India Pakistan Asia Cup T20 match scheduled to be held in Dubai on September 14, 2025.

The PIL has been moved under Article 32 by four law students led by Ms. Urvashi Jain, through advocates Sneha Rani, Abhishek Verma and Md. Anas Chaudhary.

The petitioners argue that at a time when Indian soldiers and civilians continue to suffer losses from cross-border violence and terror attacks, allowing a high profile cricket match against Pakistan sends a message contrary to national dignity and the sacrifices of the armed forces.

The plea states that cricket cannot be placed above national interest, the lives of citizens, or the sacrifices of security personnel.

“The dignity of the nation and security of citizens come before entertainment and revenue generation,” the petitioners submit, warning that the continuation of the match would be detrimental to the morale of the armed forces and citizens alike.

The petition relies heavily on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where a group of tourists was targeted in the Baisaran meadows. The attack left dozens dead and several more injured, marking the first major civilian strike in the Valley since the abrogation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status in 2019.

The Top Court itself, on April 23, 2025, had condemned the incident and expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives.

The plea further refers to Operation Sindoor, the counter-strikes carried out by Indian forces in April 2025, and the subsequent escalation marked by heavy mortar shelling, missile strikes, and drone attacks by Pakistan across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, which caused extensive civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

In addition to the Pahalgam incident, the petition provides a detailed timeline of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in February, April, and May 2025, spanning Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Uri.

These included repeated night-long mortar shelling and drone incursions that killed civilians, destroyed homes, and caused fear across border districts. According to the petitioners, proceeding with a cricket match in such circumstances would amount to “mockery of the emotions of all citizens of India” and show that commercial and entertainment interests outweigh national security.

The plea underscores that international cricket fixtures are not merely sporting contests but carry symbolic value in reflecting bilateral relations. To engage in sports with a country that allegedly harbours and supports terrorism, the petitioners argue, undermines the sacrifices of martyrs and causes anguish to the families of victims of terror.

The petitioners contend that “cricket is meant to show harmony and friendship, but when our soldiers risk everything to protect the nation, playing with Pakistan conveys the opposite message.”

Reliefs Sought

The petition seeks two primary directions from the Supreme Court. First, it prays for the issuance of a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate order directing the cancellation of the India Pakistan Asia Cup T20 match scheduled for September 14, 2025.

Secondly, it seeks a direction to the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to implement the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and bring season-ball cricket under the regulatory framework of the National Sports Federation.

The petitioners argue that bringing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under governmental oversight is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment of cricket administration with national interest.

The petitioners conclude that permitting the match to go forward at this juncture would not only undermine the morale of the armed forces but also risk sending the impression that revenue generation and entertainment are being prioritized over the dignity and security of the nation.

They stress that in matters of international sport, national interest must remain paramount, and that the sacrifices of soldiers and citizens cannot be disregarded in pursuit of entertainment.

The matter has been registered as Diary No. 51856/2025 and is expected to be listed for hearing shortly.

Case Title: Urvashi Jain & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.

Filed By: Advocates Sneha Rani, Abhishek Verma & Md. Anas Chaudhary