``I have absolutely no objection if they visit Mumbai for sightseeing. They can visit tourist places, like the Gateway of India or visit the Taj Mahal hotel in South Mumbai. But under no circumstances, I will allow them to play cricket in Mumbai,'' Thackeray said, when his attention was drawn to the desire of a section of Pakistan cricket players to visit Mumbai. The view taken by Thackeray assumes significance as he had earlier imposed a ban on the entry of Pakistan's cricket team to India. The ban was subsequently revoked, following the intervention of Union Home Minster L K Advani and Information and Broadcasting Minister Pramod Mahajan.

Thackeray said that he acceded to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's request to suspend theagitation, as he respected him as a honest politician and did not believe in the tactics adopted by Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and AIADMK chief Jayalalitha. Among those who greeted Thackeray at his residence on his 72nd birthday were Chief Minister Manohar Joshi, Revenue Minister Narayan Rane and Transport Minister Diwakar Raote.

Meanwhile, in a statement in the Sena mouthpiece, Thackeray said he has to bow down to anti-nationals and allow the Pakistani team to play on Indian soil.

Thackeray said he had to revoke the ban for one year on the cricket series following a request made by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani, who were pressurised by anti-national forces to conduct the series.