Thackeray against Indo-Pak series

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray expressed his opposition to the forthcoming cricket series between India and Pakistan.

"I still maintain my old stand that we should not invite Pakistan here and play cricket with them," he told reporters in Mumbai, on Wednesday.

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The Pakistan team, which will be playing in India after a gap of six years, is scheduled to arrive in the country on February 25 to play three Test matches and five one-day internationals.

Shiv Sena has openly opposed the tour arguing that Indian soldiers are being killed on the border while fighting with Pakistan and hence the country should not maintain ties with the neighbouring nation.

Sena activists had recently caused minor damage to the pitch at Mohali which is scheduled to host one of the three Tests.

Thackeray said he is not against cricket or against the Pakistan cricket team but there is a time for everything.

"Pakistan had still not stopped supporting terrorism and it is not proper when our jawans were being killed on the border, to play with Pakistan cricket team," he said.

"We will be playing but at what cost," Thackeray said, adding: "we need to have some pride and the things are very sad."