“The match should go on” - Supreme Court refuses plea to cancel India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash as #BoycottAsiaCup trends online

With the much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 just days away, the Supreme Court has refused to urgently hear a plea seeking its cancellation. 

The petitioners had argued that staging the game so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor was against national interest. 

Supreme Court Refuses Urgent PIL

When the petition came up before Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi for urgent listing, the Bench was quick to dismiss the request. 

“What is the urgency? It’s a match, let it be,” Justice Maheshwari told the counsel, who pressed for the matter to be heard on Friday, September 12th. 

The lawyer pointed out that the game was scheduled for Sunday (September 14) and that any delay would make the petition meaningless. The judges, however, were unmoved. 

“Match is this Sunday? What can we do about that? Let it be. The match should go on,” the Bench responded.

Even as the lawyer argued that the merits of the case were immaterial and deserved a hearing, the court stood firm on its refusal.

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Petitioners’ Stand on “National Interest”

The plea was filed by four law students who argued that playing cricket against Pakistan so soon after the terror attack would dishonour the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians.

“While our soldiers are sacrificing their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same country sheltering terrorists,” the petition said. 

The students urged that the dignity of the nation and the security of citizens must outweigh entertainment and revenue. 

They also called for the implementation of the newly framed National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which would bring the BCCI under the ambit of the Sports Ministry.

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#BoycottAsiaCup

As news of the petition spread, social media was abuzz with the hashtag #BoycottAsiaCup. 

Many users demanded that the BCCI reconsider India’s participation against Pakistan. One post read:“Boycott BCCI #AsiaCup2025.”

Another strongly worded comment said: “So all of this drama is just to make Indians fool? Dear BCCI, if you are really proud of our Indian Army then cancel that India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup. Either cancel the match or be ready for a mass boycott #AsiaCup2025.”

Others expressed their disapproval in a simpler tone, with one remarking:“We all are boycotting the Asia Cup, aren’t we?”

At the same time, there were counter-voices calling for sports and politics to be kept apart. Some fans insisted that cricket should not become a casualty of diplomatic tensions, arguing that such fixtures are an opportunity to showcase the spirit of the game.

For the Supreme Court, the matter was clear - the match will go on. Outside the courtroom though, an India-Pakistan clash is never just about cricket. It carries the weight of politics, pride, and public sentiment. 

The case may be closed, but the debate is certain to outlast the final ball.

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