16 November,2009 03:54 PM IST | | MiD-DAY Correspondent
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray is fuming at Sachin Tendulkar. The Sena chief advised Master Blaster to concentrate on his international cricket, after Tendulkar had said that Mumbai did not belong to anyone in particular.
At a press conference on Friday, November 13, Tendulkar had said, "Mumbai belongs to all Indians. I am a Maharashtrian and am extremely proud of that. But I am an Indian first."
In a editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamna, Thackeray said, "Sachin has hurt the feelings of Marathi Manoos. Was there any need for this? Why are you trying to steal a 'cheeky single' on the controversy? Here you have ran yourself out on the pitch of Marathi Manoos."
Thackeray added, "You (Sachin) may not be knowing what Marathi Manoos went through to get Mumbai. You were not even born then."
"Everyone is and should be proud their country, an you cricketers should always play for the country. But for now, every player plays for himself, what about that?
"Sachin, please keep it in mind that we praise you for your fours and sixes on the field, but if you use your tongue as a bat to hit boundaries against Marathi Manoos, we will never tolerate it. So whatever you have earned on the cricket pitch please don't lose it on the ground of politics."
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