(Source X)
Rajeev Shukla, the Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), responded to Shiv Sena Leader Aditya Thackeray’s remarks regarding the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Shukla defended the BCCI’s decision to host the final in Ahmedabad, stating that “it cannot be confined to one venue.”
Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, the team received a jubilant reception in Mumbai. The BCCI organized a grand roadshow, attracting large crowds eager to celebrate with the players. At the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the squad was honored amid enthusiastic cheers from a packed audience.
Never Take Away A World Cup Final From Mumbai – Aaditya Thackeray
Aaditya Thackeray underscored Mumbai’s importance as a venue for major cricket events following the large turnout during the Indian cricket team’s parade. He urged the Indian cricket board to ensure that future World Cup final matches remain at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai without relocation.
“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.
India faced New Zealand in the semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The final, between India and Australia, was held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, renowned as the world’s largest stadium by seating capacity.
Cannot Always Be Given To A Particular City – Rajeev Shukla
Rajeev Shukla responded by clarifying that the board’s policy does not stipulate holding the final in a specific city consistently. He pointed out historical instances, such as Kolkata hosting the final in 1987, where finals have been held in various cities 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 happiness with Mumbai’s enthusiastic response to the victory parade but stressed that hosting decisions must consider the entire country. He reiterated BCCI’s policy of rotating venues for major matches, emphasizing that finals should not be confined to one city.
Looking ahead, India will co-host the T20 World Cup 2026 with Sri Lanka, offering them the opportunity to potentially secure a historic third title. Currently, England and the West Indies share the record with two ICC T20 trophies each.
