There’s not much time left before the much-awaited India–Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup. According to the schedule, the match will be held on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. While fans eagerly await the showdown between the two archrivals, a controversy has erupted.
A case seeking the cancellation of the India–Pakistan match even reached the courts. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in India’s Supreme Court. According to reports in various Indian media outlets, the petition was filed by four law students led by Urvashi Jain.
The petition argued that in light of the “Operation Sindoor,” carried out after the killing of tourists by gunmen in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, back in April, staging an India–Pakistan match so soon was inappropriate. It further claimed that going ahead with the game disregarded the sacrifices of Indian citizens and military personnel.
On Thursday (September 11), the Supreme Court dismissed the petition to cancel the India–Pakistan match. The bench, led by Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi, rejected the plea.
India will face Pakistan in the group stage in Dubai on Sunday (September 14). Justice Maheshwari said: “What’s the need? It’s just a match. Let it happen. What can we do about it on Sunday? Let it be. Matches will go on every day. One side or another will always play.”
