MEGHA INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS AND VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS – A CRITICAL STUDY WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCES TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET, OLYMPICS AND COMMONWEALTH GAMES

AUTHOR – VARSHA SUBHASH SABLE, LLM STUDENT AT P.E.S MODERN LAW COLLEGE PUNE

BEST CITATION – VARSHA SUBHASH SABLE, MEGHA INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS AND VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS – A CRITICAL STUDY WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCES TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET, OLYMPICS AND COMMONWEALTH GAMES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 569-573, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

INTRODUCTION

Mega sporting events — such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and major international cricket tournaments — are promoted as global festivals of sport, unity and development. They promise economic stimulus, urban regeneration, and a showcase for host cities and nations. Yet, under the surface of public pageantry and corporate sponsorship, such events increasingly intersect with complex human rights concerns. This article provides a critical study of the human rights implications of mega international sports events, with focused references to international cricket, the Olympics, and the Commonwealth Games. It examines how grand sporting spectacles can exacerbate forced evictions, workers’ exploitation, restrictions on civil liberties, discrimination, and long-term social harms — and offers recommendations to prevent and remedy such violations.