New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday remarked that it is “high time” the judiciary refrains from intervening in matters related to sports, including cricket, noting that the game has largely become a business enterprise rather than a sport.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made the observation while hearing a petition challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court order concerning the Jabalpur division’s cricket association.
“There is nothing like sport now in cricket. It is a fact. It is all business,” Justice Nath observed, expressing frustration over the growing number of cricket-related disputes reaching the court. Referring humorously to the number of such cases listed, he remarked, “Today, we are playing cricket — three or four matters. One is already adjourned for the second round. This is the second one. There are two more. How many test matches will you play today?”
The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that India’s obsession with cricket often leads to legal disputes. Responding, Justice Nath said, “I think it is high time that this court should keep its hands off in cricket, badminton, volleyball, and basketball.”
The counsel argued that the court’s involvement was necessary as “stakes have become very high” in sports, given their increasing commercialisation. However, the bench indicated it was not inclined to entertain the plea. Following this, the petitioner’s counsel sought permission to withdraw the petition, which the court allowed.
