Bal Thackeray threatens to disrupt IPL in Mumbai

Mumbai: In a complete U turn after giving its word on not disrupting the upcoming Indian Premier League tournament, the Shiv Sena on Monday said it will not allow Australian cricketers participation in the tournament in Mumbai in the wake of unabated racial attacks on Indian nationals.

Recently, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray had assured Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar that the former's party will not disrupt the cricket tournament. The assurance was perceived in the spirit of keeping politics away from sports.

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Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Monday reportedly said that Shiv Sena will not allow Australian cricketers' participation in the upcoming IPL tournament's matches in Mumbai.

Recently, Pawar visited Bal Thackeray to discuss Shiv Sena's opposition to the inclusion of Pakistani and Australian players in the Indian Premier League. Both the leaders held two-hour meeting at Matoshree, Thackeray's residence.

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Pawar, the former BCCI president, reportedly requested the Sena chief to give his go-ahead for IPL matches with Australian players.

Pawar was accompanied by BCCI president Shashank Manohar during his visit.