In a snub to Union minister Sharad Pawar, Bal Thackeray said on Monday that the Shiv Sena would not allow Australian cricketers to play in the IPL which starts next month, a threat which the NCP supremo had wanted the Sena chief to withdraw.

"We would not allow them to set foot on Indian soil," he said.

"Indians are being attacked in Australia. Therefore, I have said that we would not allow Australian cricketers to play in our country," Thackeray said addressing party workers via video link in suburban Bandra.

Shiv Sena has voiced opposition to Australian cricketers playing in India in the wake of continued attacks on Indians in Australia and threatened not to allow them in the country.