Shukla hits back at Thackeray, says cannot prioritise one city over another

The BCCI cannot prioritise one city over another when it comes to organising important finals, said board's vice-president on Friday in response to Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray's demand.

Following a massive turnout during Indian cricket team's T20 World Cup victory parade on Marine Drive to the Wankhede Stadium, Thackeray had urged BCCI to not "take away" any final match from 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.

"It is BCCI's policy that where the final should take place. It cannot always be given to a particular city, Shukla told PTI on Friday.

The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal whereas the world's largest stadium in terms of sitting capacity, in Ahmedabad, was the venue for the final.

"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