Mumbai Magicians leave for Delhi after Shiv Sena Protest
TNI Bureau: The tension between India and Pakistan sparked protest by the Shiv Sena that forced the Mumbai Magicians team to shift to Delhi. Sena protested against the participation of four Pakistani players in the Mumbai Magicians team, which is a part of the Hockey India League.
The Sena workers disrupted the practice session opposing the involvement of four Pakistani players in the team. The team was scheduled to play its first match on January 16 against Delhi.
Mumbai Magicians had signed up Pakistnai players Mahmood Rashid, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Tousiq and Imran Butt for the matches in India. However, Hockey India associate joint secretary Manoj Bhore decided to shift the team to Delhi following the protest.
The Mumbai franchise is scheduled the play another match in Mumbai on January 20, but nothing has been decided as Pakistani players are not only playing in Mumbai team, but also in other teams.