Law students file PIL in SC to cancel India-Pakistan T20 match in Dubai

New Delhi: Four law students have approached the Supreme Court with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to cancel the upcoming India–Pakistan T20 match scheduled on September 14 in Dubai. The petition, led by Urvashi Jain, argued that cricket should not take precedence over national interest, citizens’ safety, or the sacrifices of Indian armed forces.

The students highlighted that holding a cricket match with Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, where Indian civilians and soldiers lost their lives, sends a message inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.

“Playing against Pakistan while our soldiers sacrifice their lives and families mourn victims of terrorist attacks sends the wrong message. National security and dignity come before entertainment,” the petitioners said. They added that the match could hurt the sentiments of victims’ families and negatively impact the morale of the nation.

The PIL also urged the implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, emphasizing that public safety and national interest should guide sports events involving rival nations.