Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who made startling ‘match-fixing’ allegations surrounding the 2011 World Cup final, doubled down on his statement and vowed to come forward with information during an investigation.
“Sri Lanka’s defeat in the 2011 World Cup (final). I do not accept this as a defeat. According to the information I have received I believe that it was match-fixing,” he told Ada Derana, responding to questions regarding his controversial comments during a TV interview.
He stated that even former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga had made this statement on multiple occasions.
Aluthgamage stated that the Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had picked the squad for the World Cup final against India and that the team was changed “in the last moment”.
“Four players were changed,” he said. In addition to that two players were brought down from Sri Lanka and that neither the cricket board’s nor the Sports Ministry’s approval had been obtained for it. “That is completely wrong.”
“I am prepared to present information when an investigation is held,” he said.
On April 2, 2011, India beat the Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the ICC World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. During a televised interview recently, Aluthgamage claimed that the final was fixed. However, he said he was ready to take full responsibility for his comments.
Meanwhile former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena tweeted a response to news reports on the revelation. He asked for the names and evidences, involved in the matter.
Jayawardena took to Twitter and wrote, “Is the elections around the corner Looks like the circus has started names and evidence? #SLpolitics #ICC.”
Kumar Sangakkara, who was the Sri Lankan skipper in that game, has also opened up on the issue. He said that the former minister needs to take the evidence to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Sangakkara replied to fellow cricket legend Mahela and wrote, “He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly.”
Former Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Rangana Herath told Ada Derana 24’s Straight Drive that if the former minister has relevant information or evidence proving his accusations, then he can act on it even now.
