Lashkar plan to strike World Cup was thwarted: Pillai

"The World Cup threats were for real. We had evidence in terms of communication intercepts that the LeT was planning," Pillai told IANS in an interview.

Pillai said the plot to attack was specific to the final match between India and Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium April 2. "There was enough evidence that they were planning the strike in Mumbai," he said.

This is the first official home ministry confirmation of reports that Pakistan-based militants were trying to disrupt the Cricket World Cup final.

Intelligence Bureau sources had earlier said the most important cricketing event in India would be a target for terrorists. Intercepts pertaining to the threats suggested that some terrorists had managed forged passes and fake identity cards for the final venue and were planning to carry out a suicide attack.

Pillai said the terrorists didn't succeed because of the multi-agency security cover that was thrown around the stadium in particular and Mumbai in general.

"They could not come through because we had a proper security cover. We created enough fear for them to even attempt at it. We were able to provide enough cover and stop them," Pillai said.

The government had thrown up a three-tier security check, including metal detectors, baggage detectors and sniffer dogs, and every one was physically frisked by paramilitary personnel before they were allowed entry into the stadium during the final match.

Over 6,000 security personnel, uniformed and in civil dress, were stationed in and around the Wankhede Stadium area, outside Churchgate station, to secure the 33,000-strong crowd of spectators inside.

The event watched by a huge number of VVIPs, including President Pratibha Patil, her Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapakse, top Indian leaders, businessmen, film personalities, foreigners and others.

Upbeat over the peaceful conduct of the World Cup, for which the Indian security forces have won praise, Pillai said: "We will take the credit because nothing happened. When nothing happens, nobody knows that it has been prevented from happening."