In an exciting and friendly encounter that brought together two usually adversarial groups on a different kind of battleground, the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court judges squared off against a team of formidable lawyers in a T20 cricket match that concluded with both teams drawing at 126 runs each. This unusual tie occurred at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the Capital, where legal battles were set aside for a day of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The event was organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAoRA) and featured two teams: the Chief Justice of India (CJI) XI and the SCAoRA XI, playing under the stadium’s bright floodlights. Despite some of the judges being beyond their prime sporting years, they showcased that their talents extend beyond the courtroom, managing a competitive total of 126 for 8 after winning the toss.
The innings began with Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice MM Sundresh at the crease, but the judges faced early difficulties, finding themselves at 51 for 5 by the ninth over. It was Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna who turned the tide, playing a critical captain’s knock alongside Justice KV Viswanathan. Their partnership was crucial in stabilizing their team’s innings and pushing the score to a more competitive level.
The lawyers’ team, captained by advocate Vipin Nair, approached their chase of 127 runs with aggression. However, the judges’ team demonstrated strong bowling and fielding efforts to keep the match tight. The climax of the match was heart-stopping, with the SCAoRA XI needing just two runs off the final ball to win. A dramatic run-out on the last delivery resulted in a tie, an outcome as rare in cricket as it is in their professional confrontations in court.
Both teams, donned in striking blue and orange jerseys, provided a spectacle of cover drives, pull shots, and straight drives. The judicial team’s bowling lineup, including Justices Manoj Misra, Vikram Nath, and PS Narasimha, played a key role in ensuring the lawyers did not have an easy time chasing the target.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who received the accolade of “Best Fighter of the Game,” expressed his enthusiasm about the match, saying, “It’s a dream come true. Every Delhiite dreams of playing here, and today we got to live that dream. It’s not about the result but about the joy of the game.” This unique sporting event not only provided an opportunity for members of the judiciary and legal community to engage in friendly competition but also highlighted the importance of sports in building bridges and fostering mutual respect outside the courtroom.
