India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash to be called off? Pune's social activist files a petition in Supreme Court against India's decision to play vs Pakistan

Suryakumar Yadav-led India are currently in Dubai preparing for the Asia Cup where they will start their campaign against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium. India's second group stage clash against Pakistan is creating controversy because there were growing demands from fans to not have any sporting relations with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

However, the government gave a clean chit to the BCCI to feature against the neighbouring nation in the continental tournament. After a lot of criticism, a social activist from Pune, Ketan Tirodkar, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding that the match be declared unconstitutional.

Petition Demands Ban on the Match

In the petition, Tirodkar argues the honourable court that the match should be banned in light of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which took place in May 2025. He claims that allowing such a match goes against Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to live with dignity.

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Call to Regulate BCCI Under New Sports Law

The petition also urged the Supreme Court to direct the Central Government to implement the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. It demands that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) be brought under the control of the National Sports Federation (NSF) and be made to register with the National Sports Board (NSB). The petition insists that the BCCI should follow the rules and policies of these national sports bodies.

Concerns Over National Interest and Soldier Morale

According to the petition, holding the match against Pakistan sends the wrong message to both Indian citizens and security forces, especially at a time when terrorist attacks by Pakistani groups continue in Kashmir. It claims the event is against national interest and could demoralise soldiers who are risking their lives to protect the country. Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice is scheduled to hear the petition on Friday.