Shiv Sena has called off its proposed agitation against Australian cricketers playing in the upcoming IPL matches.

A statement to this effect was issued by Sena supremo Bal Thackeray late Tuesday evening, hours after CM Ashok Chavan said the government would provide security to the players.

"It is pointless to continue a stir based on patriotism. People aren’t interested in such issues. Indians living in Australia have said the Sena stir (against Australian cricketers) would make matters more difficult for them (Indians) back in Australia. Taking all this into consideration Sena has taken the decision. We don’t want Sainiks to stick their neck out on an issue which lacks universal appeal," Thackeray said in his statement.

"Let Australian cricketers come here, let Pakistani cricketers come here. Let trained terrorists come here. Sena will do nothing," Thackeray said.

Sena chose to go on the backfoot to avoid yet another spat with Chavan, said a senior Sena leader. Meanwhile, Chavan said, "The government is not afraid of threats which the Sena has been repeatedly issuing. We will not bow to pressure tactics. All IPL players will be provided with security."