Shiv Sena Gives Blessing to Australia; But Did Anyone Need their Permission at All?

Shiv Sena has changed its mind within twenty-four hours after reissuing its threat against Australian cricketers. But did cricket, or the IPL, need Bal Thackeray's permission?

shiv sena

Somehow the Shiv Sena seems to erroneously believe that nothing in the city of Mumbai or even the state of Maharashtra moves without their approval.

They created enough drama before Shah Rukh Khan starring movie "My Name is Khan" to ensure that the 12th of February became a day when the city was on edge and the presence of police force felt stronger than on normal movie release days to say the least.

While the Mumbaikars came out in support of Shah Rukh Khan, branded unpatriotic by the Sena over his empathetic remarks towards the Pakistan cricketers, the only thing Shiv Sena realistically achieved was give the movie unprecedented publicity, boosting movie sales even if only in support of the cause or against the Sena. The people laughing to the bank are SRK and Karan Johar, irrespective of the quality of the movie itself.

Now the Shiv Sena was given extra molly cuddling by former BCCI President Sharad Pawar, perhaps in a bid to ensure a smooth IPL to ensure a smooth transition to the ICC President and the 2011 ICC World Cup. It did not seem to do the trick but perhaps someone reminded Shiv Sena of what they did for Shah Rukh Khan.

In a stunning turnaround, the Shiv Sena has withdrawn its protest against the Australian cricketers with another pompous statement that if the rest of the country did not care about India's image, why should Sena fight the battle alone?

May be it would be a wise reminder that the Shiv Sena is fighting a lone battle because it is creating battles, trying to divide a united force.

So does this clear the way for the Hyderabad Deccan Chargers for IPL 3?

Chargers Won't Play if Australians Won't; Modi Says, They Will; Gets BCCI Backing

Pune Blast Leaves Security Issue Vulnerable for Australian Cricketers; Stepped up for SA

Pawar in a Spot: Thackeray Still Against Oz; AP Sports Ministers Says IPL 3 in AP Assured

BCCI and IPL Governing Council Slapped with Legal Notice by Deccan Chargers

SRK Stands His Ground on Pak Cricketers; Film Theatres Dither to Release Film

IPL 3 Schedule of Matches & IPL 3 Squads

Dhoni, Smith Agree: IPL Has Helped Visiting Teams

IPL 3 Team Squads Announced

Confirmed: Deccan Chargers Will Play Their Home Matches in Nagpur, Navi Mumbai

Ravindra Jadeja Receives One Year IPL Ban

Preity Zinta Says, KXIP Team Not Sold to Hero Honda; Could Other Franchisees Be Selling?

New Franchisees in Fray for New Teams in 2011 IPL 4

Shiv Sena Retaliates against SRK and His Movie over Empathizing with Pakistan Cricketers

PCB Revokes NOC for IPL Even as Speculation on Abdul Razzaq Continues

Shiv Sena Threaten to Teach Modi Lesson in Their Language

Shah Rukh Khan Admits, There is a Problem , Feels Pakistan Players were Not Handled Well

Modi Announces Bonanza Auction for IPL 4; Change to Foreign Rule; Teams Can Retain Players

Preity Zinta Gets Her "Cricket" Show on Colours, Also an IPL Awards Nite Planned

IPL 3 Opening Ceremony Moves from Hyderabad to Mumbai

Shilpa Shetty, Lalit Modi: "We Owe No One an Explanation"

Pakistan Players in Lurch: Forget Cross Border Peace; This is Cold Blooded Business

Player Availability A Concern, Says Shilpa; Ness Hints At Australia

Franchisees Plead with Modi for No Major Shuffle/Auction for IPL 4

AP Sports Ministers Asks Deccan Chargers to Boycott IPL 3 After Matches Are Relocated

Lalit Modi's Global Plans for IPL Include Matches in USA and Abroad

Twenty20 Founder: "Let Twenty20 be a Curtain Raiser; Don't Overdo It"

Want an IPL Team in 2011 IPL 4 Season? Cough Up $225 and Then Some!