Won't allow Australian players in IPL, says Uddhav Thackeray

The Shiv Sena on Saturday night threatened not to allow Australian cricketers to play in matches in Mumbai, of the third edition of Indian Premier League.

"The IPL should be patriotic. We would not allow Australian players to play here in the wake of racist attacks on Indians there," Uddhav told media-persons after a function held at Central Mumbai to celebrate party supremo Bal Thackeray's 84th birthday.

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray had in an editorial in Sena's mouthpiece Saamna on January 13 called for a ban of the Australian cricket team playing in Maharashtra. Thackeray's comments followed a series of violent attacks against Indians in Australia. "As per Balasaheb's order, we would not allow the Australian players," Uddhav said.