Gods ensured Pakistan's defeat: Bal Thackeray

Mumbai, Oct 28: With South Africa snuffing out the challenge of Pakistan at Mohali in the ongoing Champions Trophy, an elated Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has attributed the defeat to God's will.

''The gods have brought about the defeat of Pakistan,'' Sena mouthpiece ''Saamna'' has quoted Mr Thackeray as saying. Mr Thackeray is himself the editor of ''Saamna''.

Mr Thackeray, incidentally, had called for a boycott of the final of the series, which is to be played here in Mumbai, if Pakistan was one of the teams.

An avid cricket fan, Mr Thackeray had called for the boycott alleging Pakistan's involvement in the 7/11 serial blasts in suburban trains here that had left 187 people dead and scores injured.

Both the Centre and the State Government had taken serious note of the threat. Shiv Sainiks had, at least on three occasions earlier, damaged pitches in Mumbai and Delhi and even ransacked the BCCI office.

While calling for a boycott this time, Mr Thackeray had said that if Pakistan happens to reach the finals, they would have to play before an empty stadium.

UNI

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