Mumbai: In a complete U turn after giving its word on not disrupting the upcoming Indian Premier League tournament, 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. 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. 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.
