Aaditya Thackeray, senior leader of Shiv Sena and former Maharashtra minister, has launched a scathing criticism against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for relocating the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

In a social media post on Friday, Aaditya expressed his discontent, stating, "Yesterday?s celebration in Mumbai is also a strong message to the BCCI? Never take away a World Cup final from Mumbai!" His remarks come in the wake of a grand reception in Mumbai where crowds gathered to celebrate the Indian cricket team's victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2024.

The jubilant scenes unfolded at Wankhede Stadium, a venue steeped in cricketing history, hosting iconic events such as India?s T20 World Cup victory in 2007 and the triumphant 2011 Cricket World Cup win. The stadium also witnessed the emotional farewell of Sachin Tendulkar in 2013.

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Aaditya Thackeray has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP-led decisions to relocate major events and opportunities from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, he highlighted Maharashtra's losses, including the relocation of industries and projects like the International Finance Center and medical parks to Gujarat.

The decision to move the World Cup final to Ahmedabad has sparked controversy, with Aaditya Thackeray and Shiv Sena accusing the BCCI of depriving Mumbai, a traditional cricketing hub, of hosting prestigious international matches.

The BCCI has not responded to Aaditya Thackeray's comments as of yet, while discussions on the implications of this decision continue to stir debate within cricketing and political circles.