ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Hindu radical group Shiv Sena has threatened Pakistan’s cricket squad two days ahead of the World Cup and put a question mark on the all-important final which involves Pakistan.

“You all know Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s views. If the Pakistan team reach the final [scheduled in Mumbai], whether to allow them to play, the Sena chief will decide,” Indian official news agency, Press Trust of India quoted Manohar Joshi as saying.

The final of the mega event is scheduled to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 2.

Joshi’s party has been vehemently opposing cricket ties between Pakistan and India.

The former Lok Sabha Speaker’s statement comes a day after Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said a possible duel with India in the World Cup final would be ideal for the tournament and a boost to international cricket, drawing billions of viewers.

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India are in separate groups of the 14-team World Cup, jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and starts on Saturday.—APP