Next week’s Pakistan-India clash at the Asia Cup has triggered controversy after a petition in the Indian Supreme Court (SC) sought a ban on the match.
The petition, filed by Pune-based social activist Ketan Tirodkar, argued that the game goes against Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensures every citizen’s right to life and dignity.
Urging the court to declare the match “unconstitutional” and asking the government to enforce the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, it also sought to bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the National Sports Federation and National Sports Board to ensure accountability.
In the petition, Tirodkar said that staging the match sent the wrong message to Indian citizens and could demoralise soldiers who were serving the country.
A bench of the top court, led by the chief justice will hear the case on Friday – two days before Sunday’s match.
The Indian government has already cleared the BCCI to participate in the tournament, and the clash on Sept 14 will be the first between the two sides since military clashes in May.
Separately, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has come under fire after shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi during the unveiling of the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.
Yadav has drawn the ire of thousands of Indians, leaders and general public alike, for shaking the hand of the ACC chief who is also Pakistan’s interior minister besides being chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).