Aaditya Thackeray crushes BCCI for scheduling 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad instead of Mumbai; Rajeev Shukla responds

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla responded to Shiv Sena Leader Aditya Thackeray's comment about the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Rajeev Shukla defended the BCCI's decision to hold the World Cup final in Ahmedabad, stating that "it cannot be confined to one venue."

The Indian team received an enthusiastic welcome in Mumbai after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy. The BCCI arranged a grand roadshow, drawing large crowds eager to greet their heroes. The BCCI also honored the squad at the iconic Wankhede Stadium amidst loud cheers from a packed audience.

Never Take Away A World Cup Final From Mumbai - Aaditya Thackeray

Aaditya Thackeray emphasized the significance of Mumbai as a venue for major cricket events after witnessing the massive turnout during the Indian cricket team’s parade. Aaditya urged the Indian cricket board not to relocate any future World Cup final matches away from the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“Yesterday’s celebration in Mumbai is also a strong message to the BCCI… Never take away a World Cup final from Mumbai!,” Thackeray had written on X.

Yesterday’s celebration in Mumbai is also a strong message to the BCCI…

Never take away a World Cup final from मुंबई!

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

The semifinal match between India and New Zealand during the 2023 ODI World Cup took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The final match between India and Australia was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest stadium by seating capacity, in Ahmedabad.

Cannot Always Be Given To A Particular City - Rajeev Shukla

Rajeev Shukla responded to the statement by clarifying that the board's policy does not allow for the final to always be held in a specific city. Shukla mentioned that finals have been held in various cities, including Kolkata in 1987, in the past.

"It is BCCI's policy that where the final should take place. It cannot always be given to a particular city. There has been a final match -- 1987 World Cup -- in Kolkata also, and Kolkata is considered as Mecca. So it can't be decided that it should always happen in a particular city," Shukla told PTI.

"There are semi-finals and finals which have taken place in Mumbai. Similarly, the Ahmedabad ground has got a capacity of 1,30,000, and we go by capacity also. Kolkata (Eden Gardens) has got a big capacity, around 80,000 spectators (approx. 66,000) can be accommodated. Similarly, other cities also,” he added.

Rajeev Shukla expressed his delight at Mumbai's enthusiastic response to the victory parade. However, he added that the decision to host the finals must consider the entire country. He reiterated that BCCI's policy is to rotate venues for major matches, saying that all the finals should not take place in one city.

India will defend their title and co-host the T20 World Cup in 2026 alongside Sri Lanka. The Indian team has a chance to become the first to win three T20 World Cup titles. England and the West Indies have also each won two ICC T20 trophies in history.

Also read: Watch: India captain Rohit Sharma and three other players felicitated by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde