Sports

'Shiv Sena to decide if Pakistan can play final in Mumbai'

Shive Sena leader says party chief will decide if the Pakistan team can play in Mumbai if they make the final.

Express February 17, 2011

The right-wing Shiv Sena on Thursday declared that party chief Bal Thackeray will decide if Pakistan can play in Mumbai if the team makes it to the final of World Cup 2011.

According to a report published in The Hindu, party leader Manohar Joshi has said that the Shiv Sena chief will make the final decision of allowing the Pakistani team to play in Mumbai.

“You all know Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s views. If the Pakistan team reaches the final (scheduled in Mumbai), whether to allow them to play, the Sena chief will decide”

The statement comes after Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi had said that a Pakistan-India World Cup final would be ideal.

“We’re going through a very tough situation,” said Afridi. “But I’m very happy because we’re trying to rebuild the team and keep the morale high.

“We all know how important the World Cup is for our country. The message for other teams is that no one should underestimate us.”

The final is scheduled to be held on April 2 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The stadium is also the site of the 1991 pitch defacement by Shiv Sena activists in protest of a proposed one-day series between India and Pakistan.

COMMENTS (154)

munnabhai | 13 years ago | Reply The dream run of "Islamabad Express" came to an end & Indian team stopped it in its tracks at Mohali. Captain Afridi endeared himself to all Indian viewers by his post-match magnanimity in praising & congratulating Indian team from the depth of his heart & conveying his sincere apologies to viewers back home. So in the end, Balasaheb Thackeray was spared from taking a difficult decision. He is a patriot & his objection has always been because of 1993 & 2008 attacks on his city. So this thread can be stopped here! Hope India wins the cup. But isn't it great that 3 out of 4 semi-finalists were from Indian Sub-Continent? Jai Ho! his

Asad | 13 years ago | Reply Shev Sena is party of mad people, they are creating bad image of india in the world, we hate shev sena.

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Ali | 13 years ago | Reply @ashok sai: Nice point buddy, Some extremist on both sides of the border are always trying to disrupt India's and Pakistan's friendship

Karthik | 13 years ago | Reply As a resident of Bombay, I can only laugh at this. Shiv Sena is just trying to grab attention as usual with their venom-spewing trash talk. They are in fact very well aware that these things don’t even work these days and they have been consistently losing political traction because of that.

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply Hey Bal we're coming to Mumbai.

Ashraf R | 13 years ago | Reply Hope the reports about a planned LeT and Al-Qaeda joint-strike during the cricket WC is not true. Western intelligence have warned their Indian counterparts about picking up traces of such a plan. The attack is apparently being plotted in a 'neighboring country'. All hell could break loose if such an eventuality occurs. I hope and pray that this does not happen.

sameer | 13 years ago | Reply hahahahah lolzz indian sham on u n ur partzzzz INSHALLAH pakistan will b wn in his own ground n home croud.

goggi | 13 years ago | Reply mubarrak mubarrak to all my pakistani cricket fans.....here is goggi lahori from germany, my heart is beating so fast, it was a real tight match! inshallah we shall play in Bombay!

Muhammad Faizan | 13 years ago | Reply Cime on Pakistan.I want to see Pkistan in Final.COME OON

eysa farooq | 13 years ago | Reply we belive in equality so everone should get equal chance so shiv sina should stay out of it

eysa farooq | 13 years ago | Reply go pakistan go ..............dont worry about indianS go and win it:)

Hasan | 13 years ago | Reply And I thought India was one of the 'major' democracies.

aami | 13 years ago | Reply pak reached in final.inshaallah

AdeeL | 13 years ago | Reply @Least he knows that PAK hav ability to reach the FINALS!!! :D

Munnabhai | 13 years ago | Reply Now that Bombay High Court has confirmed the lower court's decision to hang Kasab, Balasaheb Thackeray may show magnanimity & allow Pakistan to play the final in Mumbai in the unlikely event of Pakistan reaching the final.

Ahmed Ilyas | 13 years ago | Reply I really wanna see Pakistan to reach the final to see the reaction on his face..

Arsalana | 13 years ago | Reply We all know what this joker can do. He should go back to his real profession of making cartoons.....

aami | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan will must play final against india in mumbi.

syed kashif Hassnain rizvi | 13 years ago | Reply he just want to show himself in media by saying these funny words, he wana become popular as usama...

Ameer Hamza | 13 years ago | Reply He is the Indian version of Behtullah Mehsud and Mulana Fazlur Rehman combined. It will be fun if Pakistan makes it to final. I wish he disrupts that final. If he can do it, I am sure ICC might just ban India from hosting any major cricketing events in future. Just maybe.

Dr. ABHISHEK | 13 years ago | Reply By reading the above comments anyone will get to know the current status and the 63 years evolution of both the countries mindset. what Thackeray says is what an individual indian out of 1.10 billion Indians says and what is here blogged shows what the educated youth and grown up minds of both side says. we Indians learn love, peace, open mindedness and forgiveness and what you learn, you should judge by your own by reading all the comments. The progress, Stable political structure.even after being many times bigger then Pakistan and with so much differences we have a very strong constitution and federal structure. The result is in front of us. The kind of attitude shown here by my Pakistani friends is the sole reason of their problems today. look at your situation. Is Pakistan able to help India in anyway today or is it your Nuke which can force us to help you or In dragging you yourself from all your problems. Are we any less in anything so we demand you as a good neighbor.Believe it or not, Pakistan is in a very critical situation because you people don't do anything to be the best or to improve your situation, but you just boast of being so. There is a saying"TREES FULL OF FRUITS DO ALWAYS BEND, WHILE THE DRIED TREE STANDS STRAIGHT, So those who has something are always humble." you always talk of revolution in system or your politicians but the fact is that the all problems are there within you so all revolutions are required within you. The same is required in India to fight corruption and other problems. But in Pakistan this revolution is required urgently to fight the insecurity and to restore the peace. Just by cursing US, INDIA or the whole west are not going to get any fruits. try to go into the roots of all the problems you have with india and try to search a solution before it's too late. we will fight our problems, our culprits.But you should additionally take care of that your problems shouldn't create problems in your neighbors. Try to learn, try to grow and leave this false attitude you people wear to hide all your internal ill wills and problems.. Why i am writing this all to you and why i hope a change is that i know there is a hope in Pakistan. people are fighting for peace and human values there also. That's why i am able to write on this Pakistani paper. Pakistan needs a big fight today, non- violent one. Sorry if my words are hard but it is what i felt with my experience on ET... God bless you all..

Sikander | 13 years ago | Reply Forget thakerey, We Pakistanis can never be like India, no matter what anyone says there -- I am sure there are far more saner people there than Pakistan. How odd We Pakistanis could not give security to Sri Lanka who were our guest, here we are guffawing at the statement of silly old nut. No matter who says what India on the whole are far more matured than many another country. I am sure that everyone who were mocking the so called Hindu terrorist etc, are ill informed and those so called terrorist are nowhere compared to our Taliban and other religious fanatic. Enough guys read the painting. Come in terms of reality and face it. There is no point living behind facade.

logic, India | 13 years ago | Reply To all the Keyboard happy Pakistanis in here, Shiv Sena is no more than a joke in India. Everyone loves to makes such statements now and then but it the LAW OF THE LAND that prevails in India.

Ankur Indian | 13 years ago | Reply Totally absurd is the statement given by Thakrey..It doesn't really mater what he says. Its the Indian people (cricket crazy nation) who'll make this event happen. Afterall who in India or in Pakistan wouldn't like an India-pakistan final??Just a publicity stunt by Thakrey but at the same time, it must be noticed people in India denounce extremists and hell Mumbai will do it again if this actually comes true..

maimoona | 13 years ago | Reply finger cross for the final :-)

Anwar | 13 years ago | Reply ShivSena chief Bal thackeray needs education, he simply against about human being called (muslims) either he/ she pakistani or anywhere around the Universe! Now i would like to advice him to come "I can teach you free of Cost".

Samar | 13 years ago | Reply I am an Indian and am ashamed by this. Seriously, Baal Thakrey and his cronies need to take a hike.

ashfaqueshah | 13 years ago | Reply indian are funny i think .bad news

Sanjay | 13 years ago | Reply What a bunch of bull crap.. Bal Thackeray cannot even control stray dogs in his alley. He issues such stupid statements to gain publicity all the time and the media is more than happy to print them in bold for people like who are in a desperate need for some masala story in your life of which you can abuse one another. whatever.. thackeray sucks.. and so do you who take his comments seriously.

Jai | 13 years ago | Reply "The Hindu" is a communist run newspaper and naturally opposed to Shiv Sena and thus manufactures such "news' We never heard such a thing here in India. If he'd said it all the news channels would have been on it like hungry vultures. As it is all our media is Anti Hindu.

Parvez+Mahmud | 13 years ago | Reply I think Bal Thackeray would be fair trade for Ray Davis.

Parvez+Mahmud | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistani players better empty their pocket change before leaving for India, Customs and tax man would terrorize them to no end. Bal Thackeray is my favorite terrorist.HaHaHa

oner | 13 years ago | Reply its all publicity stunt and nothing else.

Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 13 years ago | Reply @Nerus Yes Shiv Sena may not do this. They are incapable of going by Boat to Karachi to attach Hotel as it is only Taliban's gut to do that. This ability to go to india by boat and attack so smoothly shows inability of Indian intelligence and Maritime weakness to stop them. Coming to the topic: Yes Shiv Sena is capable of igniting Hindus to attack Muslims and twice manage communal roits in Mumbai, Bhivindi and surroundings where thousands of Muslims were killed / injured beside looting of their properties. Yes it was Shiv Sena which played majority of its role pushing Gujrat Chief minister to start communal roits in Gujrat. Again thousands of Muslim were either died or injured and property losses / looted. Every now and then Baal Thakray is in habit of giving ulterior statement against muslims and more particularly against Pakistan. The day is not far when such eliments will be destroyed either by its own people or someday we will hear a Taliban will take a sweet revenge. Wait for that day - - - -

Taha Pandhiani | 13 years ago | Reply see you on 02-04-2011

Vidyut | 13 years ago | Reply ROFL. International community isn't going to ban Indian cricket. They need to run their offices in the level of luxury they are accustomed to. You think Indian advertising revenue is going to pour in to watch matches India is banned from? Wake up. Paisa bolta hai.

Vidyut | 13 years ago | Reply I think people are mistaking political opposition with militancy. And this isn't about cricket. While I don't align with any Hindutva entity, I understand that they have a political stand that they are protesting. Their point is quite simple, if there is no progress on the 26/11 investigation in Pakistan, Mumbai, the city that suffered the butchery should not be a place for them to find glory. While I don't agree with this stand, it certainly isn't a "wrong" stand to take. These are very real emotions. It is the hurt anger that wants to deny the country that is playing games in the name of justice for the victims of this city. The stand may not be the majority voice of India, but that doesn't make it any less real for those feeling it. Honestly, while I disagree with the stand, I do hope the Shiv Sena succeeds in disrupting the match. Because that will bring all these conversations to the front. While a large part of India is progressive and inclusive and sees no harm in Pakistani stars performing in India, the fact is, that a vast majority of India is totally frustrated with the stand of the government vis a vis Pakistan. They think that India makes a few rhetorical statements and bypasses the crime to continue reaching out a hand and they don't believe that such hiding of resentment and very real hurt to create superficial ties helps. The solution may not lie in what the Shiv Sena proposes, but their actions will certainly bring more attention to the fake "relationship" between the two governments, which is much needed. There is no self-respect for Pakistan to be labelled the terror machine and still coddled - they have nukes, you know? While relationships on multiple fronts is a good idea, all this fuzzy pink of cultural and artistic mixing is a huge farce. It hides the stagnating real problems and its not even real. There is no such thing as a "relationship" even on these fronts. Pakistani performers perform in India, but Indian performers don't perform in Pakistan. The cricket is all good fun, but the fun serves to pretend that the problems don't exist. The "Nationalist" organizations see this as an insult to those who have suffered, to pretend that they didn't and to be okay with the country in the absence of apology or justice. I agree with their stand, if not the methods. There is no real reason for Pakistanis to be allowed any visibility in India when their government has consistently provided "Moral and Diplomatic" support towards our erosion. This isn't non-state actors - this is an official government line and it says much about both the morality and diplomacy of those in power in Pakistan. Like a frustrated Kashmiri picks up stones out of impotent rage, or the Baloch blows up their own pipelines, the frustrated Nationalist digs up cricket pitches. At least it does less harm?

Hanif Awan 831682 831682 | 13 years ago | Reply Thakeray is like Jam-at e islami PAKISTAN.Every now n then they come out like Shive sehna of India.They should MERGE with each other.

swati | 13 years ago | Reply @Amer: It is so sad that Bombay has such terrorist in charge. How can India not to anything about Bal Thackeray and Modi. Shame on so called democratic India and it's citizens.

s.w33a | 13 years ago | Reply @Amer:

Dinesh | 13 years ago | Reply Most of the comments from the adult Pakistani readears prove one thing. Their IQ levels are just as good as a five year old kid in any other part of the world. And still you guys are trying to figure out what is wrong with Pakistan.

sunil | 13 years ago | Reply @MAD: Don't call Tilak as silly mark, you silly guy.

Waheed Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @Khan We have nothing common with Indians. No one speaks Pushto there. Just ignoring is better. Our future lies Westwards.These people are not simply worth having any relationship. Pakistan Future lies westwards. OEC is the Model. If ICC doesn't behave , Just leave it and we can still play domestic cricket. South Africa did it for years and did not die.

Nerus | 13 years ago | Reply Many of the comparisons being made in these comment forums are incorrect. Here is what we should ask ourselves: 1) Is the Shiv Sena intolerant? Yes. 2) Will the Shiv Sena's ideology be bad for India in the long run? Yes. 3) Does the Shiv Sena send 10 armed men by boat to Karachi to attack a luxury hotel? No 4) Does the Shiv Sena cut off girls ears and nose for alleged infidelity? No 5) Does the Shiv Sena destroy girls schools like in Afghanistan? No 6) Does the Shiv Sena support cruel and unusual punishments like death by stoning, or public lashing of women? No People should stop making false comparisons between the Shiv Sena and Taliban. Bal Thakarey is a publicity-hogging leader who uses rabble-rousing to get votes. In a democracy, you'll always find such people (like Rush Limbaugh in the U.S.A). That doesn't mean he should be equated with the Taliban or with the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply Come on guys please have some common sense. Pakistanis... Pls ignore Thankery, thats what he deserves. Indian authorities... Pls take him seriously as his people have messed up a wicket before, ensure security and get on with the game.

Ahsan Shahzad | 13 years ago | Reply Where is ICC now? This is what I call open terriorism! If any Pakistani speak this kind of nonsense they would have called it terriorism. Why the ICC always try to criticize Pakistan? Even the Indian government must take some serious action against this BAAL THAKRAY and his so called political party Shiv sena.

Singh | 13 years ago | Reply He has no agenda.Moreover he can only speak .He was kicked once he spoke against sachin and subdued once protested against a movie release. Well its time indian media has to learn to become sensible. If someone like him speaks,dont give them airtime.Same for others like him Certainly indians expect that roots of taliban are so deep in pakistan that a LET and Jaise muhammad changes their organizations after ban,one of them(JUD) runs a charity as second work and run terrorist organization as its main policy.On being arrested under world pressure JUD chief says that he was not behind mumbai attack but after few months ,he admit thats he will do 100 Mumbai again!!

rehman | 13 years ago | Reply i like indians!!!everyone in pakistan, th people i know atleast do not have that much hatred of india at all!!!you think about why we dislike india and they are like we dont know really!!!kashmir i supose!!but they dont really have any other answer!!!i think the pak army and isi shold get over the bangladesh issue!!!theek hai ho gaya ab kya blame kerna!!!india is a neighbour and similar in many respects!!!it should be a natural ally and not a foe!!! and we should rather deploy our military might at our western borders where extremists phenomenon exists in both our so called muslim brother countries!!!these bloody countries have exported nothing but extremism on our soil with the help of some aholes from or very own people!!!i always say!!had jinnah known india would go secular thr would have been no partition

Balwinder Sandhu | 13 years ago | Reply My dear Pak friends Why so sensitive? Cant you ignore this idiot, because that is all he is- a nuisance. Why do you jump up and down whenever any tiny miniscule insult comes your way from India, Raahat episode or Thackeray. He is no one to tell a mature Indian govt what to do. Period. Fact. And pl do not insult your own intelligence by calling him a terrorist. When he and his goons kill Ahmadiyas or Shias in their mosques, set off suicide bombers weekly, launch Kasab in Mumbai and Faisal in New your times, then please do call him a terrorist. But not before. We Indians have a soft corner for you Pak ppl, and would love to see yr country prosper and come out of this very dark phase. Conc on the positives- the fans of Raahat here or the cheers for Pak contingent in CWG. And yes, we feel for the 3 ppl killed by Yanks in Lahore. Hope justice prevails, but I am not holding my breath. In India, Raymond would be convicted. Fact. Balwinder Sandhu, India and London

Maryam | 13 years ago | Reply who is he to decide?

URTruth | 13 years ago | Reply Thanks to sensible replies by our neighbors but where are the usual trolls on this one? Silence is deafening! Whats up Anoop???

Khan | 13 years ago | Reply If any pak organization would say such a thing they would make terrorism connections.. where is ICC now.. Haroon Lorgat always had a bias against pak and a soft side for india.. how can such a person be made the head of ICC?

M ISMAIL KHAN | 13 years ago | Reply dear pray for paki team and inshallah paki team will win the world cup .so this a slap for BAAL TAKARAY

Abdul-Mughis Rana | 13 years ago | Reply Our readers from India are suggesting that SS does not even have the nuisance value on the issue. But we should have set a precedence for all for a good reason.

Nasir Jamal | 13 years ago | Reply It is this prejudiced mentality that lead to the partition of the subcontinent. The Hindu extremist organization does not bother the conscience of the world. Had this statement been made by any Muslim organization we would have been seen a round of condemnation from around the world.

Don | 13 years ago | Reply @ To all pakistani friends Please don't pay attention to Bal thakrey.He has only two subjects to rant on: valentine day and pakistan cricketers. Shiv sena party is in dying stage and no body take his announcements seriously in india.They are just a bunch of hooligans who want to be in news for publicity.Indians have always given a warm welcome to pakistan cricket team and have enjoyed their cricket.

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply @Ali: WEll you must admit that our major financial hub (Karachi) is also in the control of thugs and gangsters.

zaz | 13 years ago | Reply hahahha gud fr paki team...we also dont want to play in india..=D

Dr. ABHISHEK | 13 years ago | Reply What Thackrey said is not important, because he is neither in power nor he is favored by media. he is not authorized to make policies, he could not influence the government's decisions as he or any other person of the same ideology don't have any Public support in India. But is the condition same with the Religious Groups in Pakistan in terms of public support or influence over state's Policies.What i found shameful is the kind of comments Pakistani readers are making here.. not a single Indian reader is supporting what Thackrey said, but my Pakistani friends are jumping on this, and blaming whole India, all Indians. India is this, India is that.. every country has it's own problems.. none of our problems are creating problems in Karachi or Lahore or anywhere else in Pakistan. So rightfully you don't have any right to count on us our problems. But Your problem's are creating problems here in India. What would have been Pakistan's reaction if 10 shiv sena people would have done same as happened in Mumbai?? Would you be Supporting India to play in Lahore or Karachi. Still we talk peace.. and i know that sounds cowardliness to you(cause you believe in living a shell of ego made by your self).. But we don't care.. because we don't feel insecure.. We believe in looking forward for the future.. This is the Biggest thing you have to learn from India. By blaming others, pointing at others problems is not going to provide any solution for your problem's but it will worsen our relationship and will damage any hope for the future generations which is only possible by such people to people contacts provided here by ET, where we can express us at fullest.. There are not all saints in India and Pakistan is not at all a country of Demons.. There are good and bad people in both sides..We the educated people who have experienced this in our lives, need to understand and should make common people aware of this very fact... There is a lot of seriousness, responsibility and maturity is required which i don't see in most of the comments made here by my Pakistani friends.. God Bless you all...

ik | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackeray is really scared of the Pakistani Cricket Team - If Pakistan reaches the finals it should not play in Mumbai making Bal Thackeray the scape goat & asking for the finals venue to be shifted to Sri Lanka or Bangladesh. This way Bal Thackeray & India will be the losers.

sena the terorists | 13 years ago | Reply terorrists r in the indian gov shocking ......and the indian gov is quite on it ...equaly involved in this by being quite...i would call all of them secular terrorists

sarah | 13 years ago | Reply An open discriminator shiv sena is, indians would always be welcome to play anywhere in pakistan if international cricket resumes in our country and their security would be taken properly care of

Javed | 13 years ago | Reply Hahahahahahahahahha... Oh My GAWD!!!!! How hilarious. I swear I have been laughing all this time since I read this article. My stomach even hurts now, Can't laugh anymore...Hahahaha.. Terrorist comes out in open. Hahaha.. What a World Cup Publicity by a Terrorist! Man! You got to laugh at this whole thing so much that you just start crying... LOL. I think He is the World Cup marketing manager. I'd love to see him giving these threats on international media.LOL. Nothing would be more fun than this.

ram | 13 years ago | Reply When I was watching Imran Khan yesterday (CNN-IBN TV channel) some thing came to my mind of what he had said in a TV interview, few years ago. He wanted medicines from India for his cancer hospital but was not getting permission from Pakistani Government. India produces all kinds of medicines and they are cheaper due to price control by the government. It would greatly benefit Pakistanis if the civilian government understands the importance and gives permission to Imran. Why play politics in health care? We had no issues with your onions that helped us a lot very recently.

Kittu | 13 years ago | Reply @ Mr Thakeray, India moved on from your communal politics. Youth are more career oriented now a days and not interested in any pointless ideology. So please , call it a day and have some rest..you had your days and thats pretty much it.

Shyam | 13 years ago | Reply kailash +1; @ All Pakistanis - Seriously?! Are you guys serious enough to compare a bunch of jokers a.k.a Shiv Sena, to the likes of the hard line clerics, religious fundamentalists and extremists... For a fact, how many suicide bombers or fidayeens have come out of Shiv Sena? Very naive of you to even think of making a comparison.

Tony Singh | 13 years ago | Reply @Hamid: You know people learn bad habits quickly. Thackray picked this one up from Hafiz Saeed.

Kashif | 13 years ago | Reply @ RAM, Buddy I respect your comments and we both (India and Pakistan) should show positive Sports Man Spirit and let every team prove its strength in the Field, off the field we should discuss performances and avoid Political Views over Cricket. Pakistanis also admire Sachin Tendulkar he is a Legendary Bats Man of this Century. Have a Great World Cup..!!!

abdul qayum | 13 years ago | Reply First of all we have to ray that both teams qualify for the final. then can be decide where they have to play the final. its not a big matter to deal such a stupid statement Indain army is capable to handle such a stupid statement and if they finals are like of these things are cancelled by such a statement then governments are failed to tackle the situation. Hopefully he will not do such a stupid things because the this is cricket not politics and the people of India love to cricket and they will through him off if he did so. Pakistan Zinda Bad.

Dajjal | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackray is, in fact, adored by millions in Pakistan... if only he would up the ante a bit, raise his violent rhetoric and start absolute bigotry against anyone who disagrees with him... the Pakistanis would reward him with his own cave and radio station in North Waziristan.

ram | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Pakistani friends - please disregard Bal Thakeray. We do have stupids in India. For him, Mumbai is meant only for Maharashtrians.Great Amitab Baschan and Sharukh Khan had problems. We love Pakitani team. When Pakistan won a match in Madras (now Chennai), the entire crowd clapped as a mark of appreciation. What a lovely match it was. No politics in cricket. Many of the stalwarts like Imran, Akram command a lot of respect. Both Pakistanis and Indians are looking forward to India VS Pakistan matches. As an Indian, I would like India to win. If not I will be happy if Pakistan wins the world cup. Please disregard Bal Thakeray. .

Sameer | 13 years ago | Reply looking forward if Pakistan lift the trophy in Indian Soil......it will be triple maza!!!!!

Sumair | 13 years ago | Reply haha bloody fundamentalist!!

Raza Qazi | 13 years ago | Reply @J.Oberoi: If Indians are so narrow minded then they should say goodbye to cricket and start playing kabaddi only in Amritsar

Ram shankar | 13 years ago | Reply hahahahahahahahaha.....

yaarku | 13 years ago | Reply lets have a show down between thaakray and fazlullah

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackray seems to have fixed all the world cup matches, that is why he sees Pakistan in the finals..on the other hand all the teams ( other than Pakistan) seem to be part of grand fixing in order to facilitate Pakistan to reach the finals. Jokes apart, I see two types of reactions/comments from Pakistani fans. If Pakistan wins, the win will be attributed to the "best" present Pakistani team, but if Pakistan looses, the fans will see the match as fixed. All the Pakistani losses are perceived as always fixed.

akash | 13 years ago | Reply Yep this fellow is really popular in Pakistan :-) .. My freinds from across the border are scoring some brownie points at his expense which is all fun.. the only humble request is guys do not raise Mr thackeray's brand image by comparing him to taliban... He will have raise his bar significantly to meet the expectation. No a huge fan of cricket but would like India to win

Raja | 13 years ago | Reply 74 comments!! Mostly from Pakistanis desperately hoping Shiv Sena is Taliban.. and even more desperately hoping India is same as Pakistan...:-)

Javed | 13 years ago | Reply I feel sorry for such retards.. who are so helpless in their own country.. that they couldn't stop Pakistan Cricket Team.. not only from playing against India, in India.... but also defeating India on Indian soil.. None like him could prevent Saeed Anwar from scoring 194 runs (1997), and Shahid Afridi from scoring 100 runs off just 45 balls (2005).. both against India.. and on Indian soil..

Tanvir Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @satyram: bhai batana ye DAMRU kisse kehte hen hahaha very funny "bajate raho".....i love such harmless comments to get amused!

Tanzeel | 13 years ago | Reply Few years a go a friend of mine told me that that Bal Thakrey is an ISI agent, he does things that defame India. Today I believed him.

Indian Abroad | 13 years ago | Reply If India and Pakistan win their semi-final matches, no one will prevent the match from happening.

Dajjal | 13 years ago | Reply Its not that Bal Thackrey is capable of carrying out any threat.... its just that Pakistan's cricket team is incapable of getting anywhere near the final... so Mr.BT knows he can say whatever nonsense he wants and get away with it... true politician he is.

Asif | 13 years ago | Reply Ohh come on, compared to the hell you get in Pakistan eg LeT, JUI, Mumtaz Ali Qadri, MQM etc, Shiv Sena is like heaven. Secondly, considering the reputation of our country in terms of terrorism and violence, one could have imagined worse consequences.

maynotmatter@gmail.com | 13 years ago | Reply Bhai log Most of people in Mumbai don't like Bala Thackrey. He is not different from JuD boss Hafiz Saeed. It is people like these who for their power lust make people fight against each other in name of religion. It will be shame not allowing Pakistan to play in Mumbai. Of all the matches in the world Indo - Pak match still holds a great thrill, I wish we could play again in finals of this world cup Peace and long live South Asia

Mohit (Indian) | 13 years ago | Reply Who the heck Bal Thackrey to decide this? He is nothing but a goon who has no following anymore. Noboday in India cares for his views. Pakistani team is free to come and play in India. I hope and pray Pakistani reaches the FINALS with India and may the best team win :)

Antriksh | 13 years ago | Reply hehehe... This thakrey guy is more popular in pakistan than India.I didn't even know him last year.

Hamid | 13 years ago | Reply So Indians r bak to their habits?

sohail rana mangroria | 13 years ago | Reply stupid,

Richa | 13 years ago | Reply @Salman: Indian press does not make such grammatical errors. And this news is bogus. Shiv Sena does not call the shots in Mumbai or any part of India.

Ashwin | 13 years ago | Reply @Nael: Better still let us have a Shoot out between the Taliban vs Shiv sena and VHP.Whoever is left can win big cash price and retire to life of peace in protective custody on a Island

Aoun | 13 years ago | Reply bal thackeray doesnt have to worry too much as pakistan are not even gonna make it to the next round let alone the finals, i c them comin back home very soon.

Nael | 13 years ago | Reply :-):-):-). This will be so much fun. Can we have a match between Shiv Sena and Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan.

Ashwin | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackeray is a fanatic i am not going to apologetic for him or his types he needs to be punished no doubt.With such kinda of funny threats he now can apply for a job of a Stand up comedian.I would love to watch India vs Pakistan, since we play the same brand of cricket , ie loosing from a wining position.So guys chill and Enjoy the game and the side show during the break between innings.

Well wisher | 13 years ago | Reply so, Pakistan here has a win win situation ... all it needs to do is to make it to the finals lol

Well wisher | 13 years ago | Reply lol - either mr thakrecy is high or more suited to a comedian show than heading a political party ---------- politial party ... yes .... of a country self claiming to be a biggest democracy in the world ... yeah right !!! well, i wasn't personally expecting Pakistan to make it to the finals but now knowing these comments i wish it does and shiv sena standbys it's comments doesnt let the match happen ..... what then ... yeah.... ICC bans india for any further intl matches due to extremists violence and security issues....

God willing we will win....!!!!!!! | 13 years ago | Reply Now Pakistan shall have to play one match less ...and still be the Champions.....HA HA HA HA HA HA.... .as we are going to be finalists anyway........Insha-Allah....our team might not look strong on paper but we will win the world cup through hard work and prayers of 160 million people..........!!!!! India beware....Thakaray keep on sobbing like a child.... Pakistan Zindabad.......

Copper | 13 years ago | Reply Ball Thakerey has perhaps forgotten he isn't president of ICC :) , neither he has to do anything with cricket despite his name is Bal.

WOW | 13 years ago | Reply At least this goes on to show that India is also full of Fanatics like Taliban...... So much for "open mindedness"........... Its Just a game....come on Thakaray....you will do anything for cheap publicity.... truly untoward behavior... I would love to see comments by our "fellow open minded secular democracy loving" indians...!!! Anoop, Ashwin....where are you hiding............!!!!!!!!

Evolu | 13 years ago | Reply Afridi will hit a massive six into this guys head on 2 April ;)

Ali Jahanzaib | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan should make a step towards this situation, tell india that kickout these extremists... pakistan team should report to Indian govt and ICC for security... Shame on Indians.... first, kill extremists from your soil, and then talk to us...... Goodluck Pakistan team, we will win this worldcup INSHAALLAH..

Habiba Younis | 13 years ago | Reply seems like talibans arent an exclusive Pakistani brand after all...

Tony Singh | 13 years ago | Reply Seems this Thackrey has not learnt anything from "My name is Khan" fiasco. People of Mumbai will throw him out if he creates any mischief

Mahmood Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply This statement would certainly up the Moral of Pakistan team, they would now fight to reach final with their all best efforts. I appreciate this dose for our Team!

kailash sethy | 13 years ago | Reply I am not a fan of Shiv Sena. But if somebody thinks ShivSena is like taliban, no wonder people live in PureLand. Think about the killings, suicide blasts, attack on Police with AK 47s, grenades which have resulted tens of thousands of lives. And u guys still compare taliban to Shiv Sena and Maoists. Maoists is fighting because they r fighting against hunger in one way. And shiv Sena is not making his points by blasting in cities. They can be considered as criminals and law breakers not terrorists. thousands Point to be noted. All these people have one thing in common. look at their faces. long beard and mustaches. all religious fanatics

Gul Khan | 13 years ago | Reply The reason why Indians are refraining themselves from commenting is that they know what is right and what is wrong. So instead of suggesting ridiculous captions based on religious lines, just try to ponder over the fact that India has a vibrant democracy that has endured for more than 60 years whereas Pakistan has seen coups after coups right from its inception. Do not worry, an India vs Pakistan final will be the last thing Indians would want to miss out on. And no political party can override people's expectations.

LOL | 13 years ago | Reply Try to get to the semis first guys

Tanvir Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @tarek: praaji I shall very gladly quote your words in the Times of India at an appropriate time!

Tanvir Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @tarek: praaji tussi sanuN hassa dita, kheer howe taadi te apne pakistan di....as the sikhs say so do I regarding our cricket team """oye chak de phatte" !

Munnabhai | 13 years ago | Reply There is no religious point in his stand. He doesn't want Pakistani team because it is his way of protesting about Pakistani hand in all terrorist attacks on his city & a lot of 'Mumbaikars' would agree with his stand & support him. Pl don't bring religion here.

vasan | 13 years ago | Reply His recent antiques for a movie release in mumbai came a big cropper. And he wants to steal the head lines by giving such statements. I dont think he has got any following at all besides his nephews and hired gundas. If u consider him as terrorist, pl look at his photo again, pathetic is it not.

ahamed | 13 years ago | Reply don't worry about sena.please remember how indians treat pakistanis in cwg opening ceremont.We cheered them.Lets hope india and pakistan will reach final,insha allah

Naveed Javed | 13 years ago | Reply GO GREEN GO, Let us all visit Mumbai to witness the final :)

ashok sai | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistanis are waiting for a chance to jump at we Indians, we wont deny that as because this may give you brief consolation from worries sorrounding you. But the fact is, Bal Thackerey is neither a Government official nor a popular leader in India, infact down south majority of people dont even know who is, so please dont give unnecessary popularity to this thug. Sport has no enemies it only has fighters.

Faz | 13 years ago | Reply What is this?

vivek ramana | 13 years ago | Reply "barking dogs seldom bites"

tehrike shiv sena[secular INDIA] | 13 years ago | Reply he should change his party name 2 tehrike shiv sena [ TSS ].... shivsena should learn sum thing from ibnsina... well 4rm him ppl can only expect such thing.....they also want votes and publicity...so they always adopt such cheap methods 4 publicity.......but this also shows the mentality of secular indians........................

Mayank Shukla | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackeray will not decide who will play and who will not play. We are a democratic country and the people of India have already decided. If Pakistan reaches to the final of the World Cup they are welcome to play here.

satyram | 13 years ago | Reply Ha-ha-ha ..You people got a good DAMRU in your hand for the time being , bajaate raho... :)

Zeeshan | 13 years ago | Reply we can only laugh at them.

abdullah | 13 years ago | Reply well this is really sad to see indian terrorists controlling the financial centre.......this is realy shameful 4 d indian ruling party......the indian gov seems to b out of control...they should launch a campaign against them and finish such ppl .......

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply looking at the comments I believe that if Pakistan makes the finals our Indian friends will gladly welcome the team to Mumbai. Im sure the people of teh city itseld will also not support such a statement. Its a great achievement and high recognition for the city and the Wankhede stadium to host the world cup final and no self respecting resident of Mumbai (as well as India) would want to see the match sullied by this man. Were India to play in Pakistan they will definitely be welcomed in open arms as they have been by the people of Pakistan in the past as well. Let us pray for a future where both teams can play out their rivalry on the cricket field (and only on the cricket field and in other sporting events) in a peaceful and suitable manner in both nations.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply wow wow wow... get a life man! When every one is writing off Pakistan world cup chances... some one is still hopeful... thats encouraging... go green shirts !!!

Absar | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackrey and his delusions of grandeur!

Syma Khan - Relationship | 13 years ago | Reply Shiv sena would definitely allow pakistan to play, other wise international community will kick india off and it will be banned for life for international cricket.

J.Oberoi | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thackaray and his dwindling followers are very unpopular in India. He lost all his following in Mumbai too and the only way he can get publicity now is to try and hijack a major event like the World Cup. I hope Pakistan makes it to the finals. He'll be put behind bars if he tries anything and rightly so. That's where he belongs.

Adeel Awan | 13 years ago | Reply Indians always scared from Pakistan...

Said Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply hah! one thing is for sure, Pakistan is going to the final. Im sure the Indians will sort it out with Thakray, but he'll be weeping and crying when he see's the Pakistani flag flying over the Mumbai cricket stadium's pitch after we win :)

Bolimaga Bevarsi | 13 years ago | Reply Bal-T(pun intended) has to be the biggest optimist in the world, more than Zaid Hamid to expect a team like Pakistan to reach finals.

Well wisher | 13 years ago | Reply Well said salman ... learn from the indian media how to put sum mirch masala!!...

Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Salman Agreed... Lashkar-e-Sena I challenge him to stop pak from playing if they make it to the finals.

Ch Allah Daad | 13 years ago | Reply Forget final, India Pakistan should have a warm up match in Mumbai to challenge this extremist.

Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 13 years ago | Reply Bal Thakray knows that he is loosing his popularity in Mumbai but wants to be in the limelight by giving such negative statements against Muslims and more particularly against Pakistan. It is strange to note that any of the pre-quarter matches that Pakistan plays are not kept in India mainly because of Baal Thakray Threats. But ICC is blind folded on this issue. ICC should take note of this latest statement issued by Baal Thakray as this is Safety and Security concern not only for Pakistani Cricket Teams but also for other Foreign Teams. Australia already expressed its doubt and shown safety concern if she plays in India. If India fails to make this Final b/w India and Pakistan in Mumbai, then they (ICC) may also black-list India for future foreign country Cricket matches as they did for Pakistan. But we know that this will not be done as ICC has one eyed chairman and they cannot see the situation in India. In this case this Final may either be switched over to Karachi / Lahore or alternatively and Dubai. Let us see how ICC reacts and if it take any action on this Budhay Shiv Sena leader's warning.

Irfan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Hassan........ hahahahaha u nailed it bro!! i wish tribune allows that troll face here with the the "Challenge Accepted" caption.

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply Now I really want them to play the final. his face would be as red as that silly mark on his head if they were to win. Im sure most of our Indian friends too will have similar sentiments regarding this idiot.

ashok sai | 13 years ago | Reply We Indians happy to welcome Pakistan cricket team to Mumbai if they reaches the finals. For that matter whether its being Shivsena or whatever party they will be thrown aside if they try to create hurdles. They are jokers, thats all.

Salman | 13 years ago | Reply Can somneone please change the title to "Hindu Terrorists threatens Pakistan Cricket team"" This is usually how indian press writes.

arvind | 13 years ago | Reply He should keep out of it, thats what an average Indian wants.

Noreen Shams | 13 years ago | Reply now Pak team should raise the point of its security in indian soil

Ahmer | 13 years ago | Reply What the fudge!!!! We are surely gonna play and kick

Ranbo | 13 years ago | Reply Shame on you Bal Thackeray.

UP Bhaiya | 13 years ago | Reply These maratha man is a gone case. Hes a threat to india, sitting and calling all the shots in indias biggest city

Saud | 13 years ago | Reply If Pakistan and India make the final and if Pakistan is not allowed to play, Pakistan will be automatic winners! I am not worried at all :)

Muhammad Aftab | 13 years ago | Reply very funny it is real face of india and extremest hindo

Noreen Shams | 13 years ago | Reply hahahahahaah

Raqib Ali | 13 years ago | Reply He wants publicity and some 'shut up' money!

Atif | 13 years ago | Reply Hahahahahahha, now who says shining india,

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

J.Oberoi | 13 years ago | Reply What a bunch of jokers ! We'll first decide if you can speak !! Take a hike Mr.Thackeray.

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply So does the Indian govt. not have control of its financial centre, instead goons like shiv sena (hindu taliban) control it! Well well well Indians sort your hindu taliban out before coming here and telling us what to do!

Aamir | 13 years ago | Reply I think he should first pray for India to reach in finals.

tarek | 13 years ago | Reply at least we've got religious extremists hiding in mountains.....they've got one in charge of their biggest city

Amer | 13 years ago | Reply This is going to be real fun! :)

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