Sri Lanka drops 2011 World Cup fixing probe due to lack of evidence [Update Post #65]

[Abdullah719]

2011 Cricket World Cup Final between India & Sri Lanka was fixed, said Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage in an interview with News 1st.

The Former Minister said he makes the claim with absolute responsibility and does not wish to expose further details for the sake of the country.

Former Minister didn’t provide any evidence to his claim.

“I would not involve the cricketers in this. However, certain groups were definitely involved in fixing the game”, said Mahindananda Aluthgamage who was the Sports Minister at the time Sri Lanka played the 2011 World Cup.

http://www.newswire.lk/2020/06/18/13639-cricket/

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FgFRC5V74sc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Abdullah719]

Sri Lanka "Sold" 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, Says Former Sports Minister

Sri Lanka "sold" the 2011 World Cup final to India, the country's former sports minister said on Thursday, reviving one of cricket's most explosive match-fixing controversies. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was sports minister at the time, is the second senior figure to allege the final was fixed, after 1996 World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. "I tell you today that we sold the 2011 World Cup finals," Aluthgamage told Sirasa TV. "Even when I was sports minister I believed this."

Aluthgamage, sports minister from 2010 to 2015 and now state minister for renewable energy and power, said he "did not want to disclose" the plot at the time.

"In 2011, we were to win, but we sold the match. I feel I can talk about it now. I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved," he said.

Sri Lanka lost the match at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium by six wickets. Indian players have strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Ranatunga, who was at the stadium as a commentator, has previously called for an investigation into the defeat.

"When we lost, I was distressed and I had a doubt," he said in July 2017. "We must investigate what happened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World Cup final."

"I cannot reveal everything now, but one day I will. There must be an inquiry," added Ranatunga, who said players could not hide the "dirt".

Sri Lanka batted first and scored 274-6 off 50 overs. They appeared in a commanding position when Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar was out for 18.

But India turned the game dramatically, thanks partly to poor fielding and bowling by Sri Lanka, who were led by Kumar Sangakkara.

Sri Lankan cricket has regularly been involved in corruption controversies, including claims of match-fixing ahead of a 2018 Test against England.

Earlier this month, the Sri Lankan cricket board said the International Cricket Council was investigating three unnamed former players over alleged corruption.

Sri Lanka introduced tough penalties for match-fixing and tightened sports betting restrictions in November in a bid to stamp out graft.

Another former sports minister, Harin Fernando, has said Sri Lankan cricket was riddled with graft "from top to bottom", and that the ICC considered Sri Lanka one of the world's most corrupt nations.

Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended in 2018 for corruption relating to a limited-overs league.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri...cup-final-says-former-sports-minister-2248343

 

[Titan24]

A taboo subject in cricket which many dont want to talk about and most fans including me hope this doesnt exist. There are Certain things you dont wanna believe in but you tend to think about when there is smoke every now and then.

Unless he can prove it with evidence I think this is all futile.

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka's former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has alleged that his country "sold" the 2011 World Cup final to India, a claim ridiculed by formers captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene who demanded evidence from him. In an interview with local TV channel 'Sirasa', Aluthgamage said the final was fixed. Set a target of 275, India claimed the trophy thanks to the brilliance of Gautam Gambhir (97) and then skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (91).

"Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, said.

"As a country I do not want to announce this. I can't exactly remember if it was 2011 or 2012. But we were to win that game," added the politician, who was the state minister of power in the current caretaker government which is in charge until the election to be held on 5 August said.

"I am telling you with responsibility I felt that the match was fixed. I can debate this, I know people were concerned about this."

The captain of Sri Lanka at that time, Sangakkara, asked him to produce evidence for an anti-corruption probe.

"He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," he tweeted.

Jayawardene, also a former captain who scored a hundred in that game, ridiculed the charge. "Is the elections around the corner...likthe circus has started...names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet.

Aluthgamage said that in his opinion no players were involved in fixing the result, "but certain parties were."

Aluthgamage had also previously hinted that the game was fixed. Both Aluthgamage and the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa were among the invitees at the final played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga had also called for a probe on alleged match-fixing in the 2011 World Cup final.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mah...-was-sold-claim-2248423?pfrom=home-topstories

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Aluthgamage said that in his opinion no players were involved in fixing the result, "but certain parties were."

Can someone explain what this means? How do you fix a match without fixing the players in the losing side?

 

[Saj]

Can someone explain what this means? How do you fix a match without fixing the players in the losing side?

Seems he is alleging that politicians, perhaps Board members told the players what should happen.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

A full investigation is necessary.

The delay in semi final DRS should also be investigated.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

A full investigation is necessary.

The delay in semi final DRS should also be investigated.

Can’t the same ball be retracked using modern DRS? I’m sure it holds up

 

[aloo paratha]

Why do we give attention to such people?

 

[Junaids]

Seems he is alleging that politicians, perhaps Board members told the players what should happen.

Don't forget that there is a GIGANTIC elephant in this room.

Remember the Cardiff Test match between England and Sri Lanka less than 2 months later?

Sri Lanka was 400 all out on Day 2.

Rain ruined the next few days: at the end of Day 4 England were still in their First Innings, 491-5.

After further rain, England declared just 5 runs later: their First Innings closed at 496-5 declared in the MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON ON DAY 5.

Only 15 wickets had fallen in 4.5 days. It was a draw waiting to happen: Sri Lanka only had to bat for 45 overs to save the match, having scored 400 in their First Innings.

At Tea they were 33-2, with Sangakkara and Jayawardene batting.

12.4 overs after Tea they were all out for 82, and lost by an innings. The odds on an England victory at the innings break 25 overs earlier had been 200-1.

So not only is there an accusation here about the World Cup Final, there is a deeply suspicious Test match featuring a strange loss by the same team just 58 days later.

 

[Realromeo]

Tharanga's 2 of 20 was suspcious but rest of the Sri lankan batting played really well to dug out of the trouble especially Mahela. Mahela should have been the MOM in that final. Sri lankans should be proud of the way they batted. I was nearly pooping my pants untill about the 13th over of 2nd inning as we seemed to be in trouble with Sachin and Sehwag gone with batting being too slow. I don't see anything suspicious really. It was a good final.

If anything, the blame should be on current SL players. I don't think I even saw any associate teams play reckless and brainless cricket as the current SL players. The older players are legends.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Don't forget that there is a GIGANTIC elephant in this room.

Remember the Cardiff Test match between England and Sri Lanka less than 2 months later?

Sri Lanka was 400 all out on Day 2.

Rain ruined the next few days: at the end of Day 4 England were still in their First Innings, 491-5.

After further rain, England declared just 5 runs later: their First Innings closed at 496-5 declared in the MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON ON DAY 5.

Only 15 wickets had fallen in 4.5 days. It was a draw waiting to happen: Sri Lanka only had to bat for 45 overs to save the match, having scored 400 in their First Innings.

At Tea they were 33-2, with Sangakkara and Jayawardene batting.

12.4 overs after Tea they were all out for 82, and lost by an innings. The odds on an England victory at the innings break 25 overs earlier had been 200-1.

So not only is there an accusation here about the World Cup Final, there is a deeply suspicious Test match featuring a strange loss by the same team just 58 days later.

So who would you single out as suspicious? Sanga and Mahela?

 

[Faizhassan]

This is not the first time Sri Lankan ministers have said something really absurd and stupid. I mean what was stopping him to say all this stuff when he Minister. Whats stopping him now, in sub continent, due to weak libel system, anyone can say some stupid stuff. They dont need facts to back it up, i am sure no one in his forum must have even heard his name, so thats one way of staying in news. Its been about a decade since that match happened. Move on and get over it. Two World Cups have happened since then.
Pretty much like how Tanveer Ahmed and Sarfaraz Nawaz can get away with saying anything they want.

 

[Mamoon]

Sri Lanka would lose to India in India 9/10 times. The Sri Lankan minister is talking nonsense as usual.

Sri Lanka actually played very well. It was a big target to chase in a World Cup final, and Mahela played one of the ATG World Cup knocks.

India’s composure under pressure was simply too good on the day. Magnificent batting by Gambhir, Dhoni and to an extent Kohli whose 37 odd was more valuable than many big scores.

 

[Mamoon]

Don't forget that there is a GIGANTIC elephant in this room.

Remember the Cardiff Test match between England and Sri Lanka less than 2 months later?

Sri Lanka was 400 all out on Day 2.

Rain ruined the next few days: at the end of Day 4 England were still in their First Innings, 491-5.

After further rain, England declared just 5 runs later: their First Innings closed at 496-5 declared in the MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON ON DAY 5.

Only 15 wickets had fallen in 4.5 days. It was a draw waiting to happen: Sri Lanka only had to bat for 45 overs to save the match, having scored 400 in their First Innings.

At Tea they were 33-2, with Sangakkara and Jayawardene batting.

12.4 overs after Tea they were all out for 82, and lost by an innings. The odds on an England victory at the innings break 25 overs earlier had been 200-1.

So not only is there an accusation here about the World Cup Final, there is a deeply suspicious Test match featuring a strange loss by the same team just 58 days later.

I remember the match and it was one of the most bizarre collapses I have ever seen, but if collapsing in a heap is suspicious, Pakistan must be fixing multiple matches every year.

 

[Junaids]

So who would you single out as suspicious? Sanga and Mahela?

If you recall, the entire team hadn’t been paid for the World Cup because Sri Lanka Cricket had overspent on a white elephant stadium in the PM’s home village.

I am suspicious of the whole team.

 

[Swashbuckler]

 

[Faizhassan]

I remember the match and it was one of the most bizarre collapses I have ever seen, but if collapsing in a heap is suspicious, Pakistan must be fixing multiple matches every year.

We need to take things into context as well, England were the number One ranked team at that time, and they were playing at their home turf were they were unstoppable for few years.

 

[Mamoon]

We need to take things into context as well, England were the number One ranked team at that time, and they were playing at their home turf were they were unstoppable for few years.

Correct. England was the best side along with South Africa from 2010 to 2012.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Good thing is that Sanga and Mahela dont even take them seriously anymore. Just goes to show how fed up they are with Sri Lankan jokers. Our people need to do the same.

Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka coming up in August. As such South Asian politicians shouldn't be taken too seriously, before elections taking them seriously could result in permanent brain damage.

 

[Faizhassan]

Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka coming up in August. As such South Asian politicians shouldn't be taken too seriously, before elections taking them seriously could result in permanent brain damage.

Furthermore, in South Asia, our people do not prefer to work in the background, they want all the spotlight for themselves, be it Coach, Captain or even "team manager" i.e Yawar Saeed. Sri Lanka though is so bad that they make PCB look good at times.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Furthermore, in South Asia, our people do not prefer to work in the background, they want all the spotlight for themselves, be it Coach, Captain or even "team manager" i.e Yawar Saeed. Sri Lanka though is so bad that they make PCB look good at times.

That's a good point.

 

[Hasan123]

It's a nonsense accusation and shouldn't be taken seriously.

 

[MenInG]

It's a nonsense accusation and shouldn't be taken seriously.

I do wonder why ICC doesnt act and sue people - lots of money to be made for the organization in this.

 

[Hasan123]

I do wonder why ICC doesnt act and sue people - lots of money to be made for the organization in this.

I agree. ICC should ask for proof, if there is no proof then such person should be sued.

Such allegations don't make cricket look good.

 

[MenInG]

I agree. ICC should ask for proof, if there is no proof then such person should be sued.

Such allegations don't make cricket look good.

Think ICC will need a dedicated department for these and if done on no win-no fee basis, it could yield some good results for the ICC bank accounts.

 

[Hasan123]

Think ICC will need a dedicated department for these and if done on no win-no fee basis, it could yield some good results for the ICC bank accounts.

ICC should definitely do something as allegations like this don't look good for cricket.

ICC seem only to take action when it involves money and there is a big uproar from the cricketing world.

 

[Faizhassan]

ICC should definitely do something as allegations like this don't look good for cricket.

ICC seem only to take action when it involves money and there is a big uproar from the cricketing world.

The problem is that if they start taking actions on every lewd allegation from politicians, they wont have time for another things. Its better to ignore them and let them have their moment of glory.

 

[sweep_shot]

Need to come up with evidence. Otherwise, this man should be sued.

When people accuse, there needs to be proof.

 

[Hasan123]

The problem is that if they start taking actions on every lewd allegation from politicians, they wont have time for another things. Its better to ignore them and let them have their moment of glory.

I think if someone is saying a world cup final was fixed without proof, they should be investigated and potentially sued.

 

[Faizhassan]

I think if someone is saying a world cup final was fixed without proof, they should be investigated and potentially sued.

Problem is that in our part of the world, such allegations are not uncommon, for instance, last month Sarfaraz Nawaz claimed that 2011 SF was fixed. So kitnon ko pakar sakte hain bhai

 

[MenInG]

Problem is that in our part of the world, such allegations are not uncommon, for instance, last month Sarfaraz Nawaz claimed that 2011 SF was fixed. So kitnon ko pakar sakte hain bhai

That's why I said - get some good litigation guys lined up - a few law suits and everything will come to a stop

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka’s sports ministry on Friday ordered an investigation into former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s allegation that the national cricket team’s loss to India in the 2011 World Cup final was fixed by “certain parties”.

The sports minister Dullas Alahapperuma has ordered the investigation and asked for a report on its progress every two weeks, the ministry said in a statement.

The sports secretary, KADS Ruwanchandra, on Alahapperuma’s directive, had complained to the ministry’s investigation unit on Saturday.

Aluthgamage has alleged that his country “sold” the game to India, a claim that was ridiculed by former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene who demanded evidence from him.

In an interview with local TV channel ‘Sirasa’, Aluthgamage said the final was fixed. Set a target of 275, India claimed the trophy thanks to the brilliance of Gautam Gambhir (97) and then skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (91).

“Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister,” Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, said.

“As a country I do not want to announce this. I can’t exactly remember if it was 2011 or 2012. But we were to win that game,” added the politician, who was the state minister of power in the current caretaker government which is in-charge until the election to be held on August 5.

The captain of Sri Lanka at that time, Sangakkara, asked him to produce evidence for an anti-corruption probe.

“He needs to take his ‘evidence’ to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly,” he tweeted.
Jayawardene, also a former captain who scored a hundred in that game, ridiculed the charge.

“Is the elections around the corner...like the circus has started...names and evidence?” he asked in a tweet.

Aluthgamage said that in his opinion no players were involved in fixing the result, “but certain parties were.” Aluthgamage had also previously hinted that the game was fixed.

Both Aluthgamage and the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa were among the invitees at the final played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga had also called for a probe on alleged match-fixing in the 2011 World Cup final.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...-allegation/story-Wz10FBJaQav93VIC6loC9J.html

 

[MenInG]

So how was it fixed? Easy to say these things.

 

[Mesozoic]

If it was fixed, Mahela wouldn't have played an innings of his life.

If it was fixed, Sangakkara and Dilshan would not have taken absolute blinders to dismiss Sachin and Kohli nor would Malinga would bowl full steam like he did that day.

ICC should seriously get their act together and end this non-sense of every Tom, Dick and Harry coming and shouting "fixed" once a month with zero evidence.

 

[MenInG]

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage says he did not refer to any player when he spoke about 2011 World Cup final.

Speaking to Daily Mirror newspaper he said that he referred to officials in the cricketing field when he alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was fixed.

He said he had already complained to the International Cricket Council in 2012 regarding the alleged match fixing incident in 2011 and demanded that an investigation be done on ‘how certain cricket officials’ allegedly purchased car companies and started new businesses within a year of losing the the match.

“Mahela has said that the circus has started. I don’t understand why Sanga and Mahela are making a big deal about this. I am not referring to any of our players” he told the Daily Mirror Newspaper.

http://www.newswire.lk/2020/06/19/i...cial-purchased-car-companies-after-the-match/

 

[MenInG]

Opposition political parties today expressed their views on the match-fixing allegation made by former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage with regard to the 2011 Cricket World Cup final with some of them calling for investigations.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Hirunika Premachnadra told a news conference that those who were in the Sri Lankan cricket team should reveal the truth to the people. “We condemn this statement made by Mr. Aluthgamage. He as insulted and tarnished the image of the cricketers through this allegations. People in this country should stand up for our cricketers who had brought fame to the nation unlike the politicians,” she said. “It could be part of the SLPP election campaign and makes one wonder whether he directed this allegation against the Prime Minister."

UNP Gampaha District Candidate Kithsiri Manchananayake said Sri Lanka should seek ICC assistance to carry out an investigation on these allegation.

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also called for an investigation into this allegation. “Mr. Aluthgamage made a serious allegation and we urge President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to conduct an investigation,” he said. (Yohan Perera)

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_...ant-Alughgamages-allegation-probed/108-190337

 

[MenInG]

Former MP Namal Rajapaksa has called for the International Cricket Council to look into the allegations of match fixing during the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

“I implore the International Cricket Council and the Hon. Min of Sports to immediately take action on these accusations & hold an impartial investigation on the matter, based on this alleged evidence,” Rajapaksa said in a tweet.

“Accusations such as these are very serious and tarnish the image of a sport that we all truly love,” he added.

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday claimed that the 2011 Cricket World Cup final match between Sri Lanka and India was fixed, calling for an official probe into the alleged incident.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Match-Fixing-Namal-calls-for-ICC-investigation/108-190332

 

[MenInG]

“I wrote to the ICC in 2012 regarding this matter, yet they failed to respond”

“Some Cricket officials have purchased car companies, started new businesses after match loss”

“The Team changed in the last moment without prior consultation”

“An Indian newspaper knew about the team change before us, but how?”

“This match made me initiate anti-fixing bill”

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said he had already complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the alleged match fixing incident in 2011 and demanded an investigation to be carried out to find out ‘how certain cricket officials’ allegedly purchased car companies and started new businesses within a year of losing the the match.

He reiterated that he did not refer to any players, but officials in the cricket industry.

Enumerating his allegation over the 2011 Cricket World Cup fixing, Aluthgamage said he had written to the ICC in 2012 regarding the alleged fixing of matches and three other important issues, he had noticed in Sri Lankan Cricket during his tenure.

He said this was the third time him was speaking on this particular matter and there was nothing new or different to what he had said earlier.

He claimed that until the cricket match was played with New Zealand, the Sri Lankan team was playing well and that the final with India was a match the Sri Lankan team were to tipped to win.

“The team who played the final match was not the team we had selected, finalized and sent off. At the last moment, without the consultation of either me as the then minister of Sports or officials of the Sri Lanka Cricket Control Board, four new players had been included to the team. We saw this only when we watched the match. How could four players get replaced without due approvals and consultations? The new players were inexperienced compared to the rest of the team. Why did they do that out of the blue?” Aluthgamage questioned.

Despite the Sri Lankan officials being unaware of the change of the team members, an Indian newspaper had carried an article regarding the change of the team a day before the final match, he alleged. Then, he raised another question as to how Indian media knew about something so important that the Sri Lankan Sports Minister and Cricket Control Board had no idea of.

He claimed that he is still in possession of the said letter, but cannot publish it. However, he said the ICC had not responded to his letter.

Aluthgamage said it was the 2011 Cricket WC Final match which made him initiate the bill "Prevention of Offences Related to Sports" which made Sri Lanka the first South Asian nation to criminalise several offences related to match-fixing.

“Mahela has said that the circus has started. I don’t understand why Sanga and Mahela are making a big deal about this. I am not referring to any of our players. Everyone is talking about just two minutes of a half an hour interview I gave to a TV channel. Even Arjuna Ranatunga has openly talked about match fixing issues earlier,” Aluthgamage further said. (Piyumi Fonseka)

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_...ies-after-losing-match-Aluthgamage/108-190322

 

[hitthestump]

I find it incredibly, incredibly difficult to believe that an international level cricketer could ever sell a World Cup final for anything less than private-island-in-the-Caribbean kind of money.

So unless there's a fixing gang powered by Richard Branson i won't be buying any of these claims from Ranatunga and co until evidence is presented.

 

[Realromeo]

2011 Cricket World Cup Final between India & Sri Lanka was fixed, said Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage in an interview with News 1st.

The Former Minister said he makes the claim with absolute responsibility and does not wish to expose further details for the sake of the country.

Former Minister didn’t provide any evidence to his claim.

“I would not involve the cricketers in this. However, certain groups were definitely involved in fixing the game”, said Mahindananda Aluthgamage who was the Sports Minister at the time Sri Lanka played the 2011 World Cup.

http://www.newswire.lk/2020/06/18/13639-cricket/

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FgFRC5V74sc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Can someone do some sort of body language study on this ? This guy held a serious position with the SL cricket. Unless he is some sort of an expert liar or a professional actor you can't be this firm.

Strangely, nice house on the background. I thought SLCB was a broke board.....hmm

 

[basitirfan]

If I’m not wrong, the lankans changed 4 players in their squad for the final. I don’t know about others but you do not changed a winning combo in a World Cup final. It is ok to change maybe one or two players but to replace 4 players that is unheard of.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Look it you’re going to accuse say it straight up. Sangakkara was captain. If you believe there was fixing, then one of the main people with a say in the 4 player changes is him. And although the entire match look fairly innocent, the most “suspicious” thing would be Gambhir, Kohli, and then Dhoni rebuilding. This again comes to bowling changes (captain) as well as one of the bowlers bowling amiss.

You cannot fix the match without fixing Sanga. He is also the person who chose to bat first despite the dew.

So make your allegations explicitly and stop beating around the bush.

 

[MenInG]

Sports Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has asked the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports K.D.S. Ruwanchandra to take immediate action to investigate the controversial statement made by former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage claiming that 2011 Cricket World Cup final between Sri Lanka and India was fixed.

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has made this statement to a private television channel stating that the 2011 Cricket World Cup final which was held in India between Sri Lanka and India was fixed and that he has clear evidence to prove it.

Accordingly, the Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has lodged a complaint with the Special Investigation Unit of the Prevention of Sport Offenses to investigate and act in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Sports Related Offenses Act No. 24 of 2019.

The Secretary also requested them to report to him every two weeks on the progress of these investigations

http://dailynews.lk/2020/06/20/loca...obe-mahindananda’s-‘match-fixing’-allegations

 

[NishanKonar]

Sri Lankans learning fast from the likes of Sarfraz Nawaz & aamer Sohail on how to get 15 mins of fame by throwing dirt on better known cricketers

This seems more of an attempt to sully image of Sangakkara for his outspoken views than anything else. Pretty sad even Arjuna Ranatunga is part of all this - given his forthright views while he was captain. Once he stood to defend Sri Lankan pride & honour & now he has no qualms muckraking against his countrymen for cheap publicity & petty politics

What did Alec Stewart say abt Arjuna in 1999 - " You are disgrace to your nation " . Well he was'nt wrong

 

[Realromeo]

If I’m not wrong, the lankans changed 4 players in their squad for the final. I don’t know about others but you do not changed a winning combo in a World Cup final. It is ok to change maybe one or two players but to replace 4 players that is unheard of.

Mathews was injured and he was replaced with Suraj Randiv even though Vaas was flown in. What is surprising looking back now was that Mendis who picked up 3 wickets and Herath who also bowled well vs NZ in the semi-final was dropped for the final. Chamara Silva who scored a 50 vs Pakistan was dropped for Kapugedara who had a forgetful tournament.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...-1st-semi-final-icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...sri-lanka-final-icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11


Surely this is a lot of change from Semi-final to final. If this was the minister at that time and the squad was changed without notifying then this must be investigated.

 

[Realromeo]

Sri Lankans learning fast from the likes of Sarfraz Nawaz & aamer Sohail on how to get 15 mins of fame by throwing dirt on better known cricketers

This seems more of an attempt to sully image of Sangakkara for his outspoken views than anything else. Pretty sad even Arjuna Ranatunga is part of all this - given his forthright views while he was captain. Once he stood to defend Sri Lankan pride & honour & now he has no qualms muckraking against his countrymen for cheap publicity & petty politics

What did Alec Stewart say abt Arjuna in 1999 - " You are disgrace to your nation " . Well he was'nt wrong

During the Fixing era the Sri Lankans were the only team with clean chit. Ranatunga was the captain for a long time, he should have some insight don't you think ?

 

[basitirfan]

Mathews was injured and he was replaced with Suraj Randiv even though Vaas was flown in. What is surprising looking back now was that Mendis who picked up 3 wickets and Herath who also bowled well vs NZ in the semi-final was dropped for the final. Chamara Silva who scored a 50 vs Pakistan was dropped for Kapugedara who had a forgetful tournament.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...-1st-semi-final-icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...sri-lanka-final-icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11


Surely this is a lot of change from Semi-final to final. If this was the minister at that time and the squad was changed without notifying then this must be investigated.

That’s my whole point, you do not make so many changes in a World Cup final no matter what the pitch report might be. Rangana and mendis were two top quality spinners. Secondly, randiv I read somewhere was sitting at home watching the World Cup when he was asked to fly in and next thing he is like I was surprised I was playing in the World Cup final. They had dilhara Fernando on the bench but decided to play randiv.

 

[CanadianG00se]

This whole saga reminds me of 96WC when we lost the semi to SL, there was lot of rumours in media that India lost on purpose. It went on many years after the WC as well.

This whole fixing accusation is entirely to gain some popularity before their elections. I wonder why was this person quiet when he was actually a minister of sports?

 

[NishanKonar]

Mathews was injured and he was replaced with Suraj Randiv even though Vaas was flown in. What is surprising looking back now was that Mendis who picked up 3 wickets and Herath who also bowled well vs NZ in the semi-final was dropped for the final. Chamara Silva who scored a 50 vs Pakistan was dropped for Kapugedara who had a forgetful tournament.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...-1st-semi-final-icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...sri-lanka-final-icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11

Surely this is a lot of change from Semi-final to final. If this was the minister at that time and the squad was changed without notifying then this must be investigated.

India had worked out Ajantha Mendis pretty well by 2011 after struggling against him in the initial 3 months in 2008.

Vaas in 2011 was well past his prime. Made no sense to pay him. Herath was dropped bcoz India played spinners well in general & Herath was never really that great in ODIs those days

Sri Lanka played 3 spinners against New Zealand in Colombo for obvious reasons. But u cannot play 3 spnners against India unless it was square turner. 3 seamers & 2 spinners was perfect strategy from Sri Lankan POV - cannot blame selections

 

[NishanKonar]

This whole saga reminds me of 96WC when we lost the semi to SL, there was lot of rumours in media that India lost on purpose. It went on many years after the WC as well.

This whole fixing accusation is entirely to gain some popularity before their elections. I wonder why was this person quiet when he was actually a minister of sports?

Exactly. India fared poorly in that match bcoz of the pitch which was newly relaid before the match & had started to crumble 20 overs into the second innings. If anything it was curator to blame. Else 252 was not so difficult to chase in Eden Gardens under lights due to heavy dew factor

 

[MenInG]

Chairman of the 2011 Sri Lankan Cricket Selection Committee Aravinda De Silva today urged the Indian Government and the Indian Cricket board to conduct an investigation into the allegation made by former Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that 2011 World cup final was fixed.

“I will not remain silent any more, This is a serious allegation and he should give his evidence, if he has information why did he remain silent for 9 years” questioned De Silva.

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday said that he did not refer to any player when he spoke about 2011 World Cup final.

He said that he referred to officials in the cricketing field when he alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was fixed

He said that there were many issues in selection and questioned the 4 changes Sri Lanka did for the 2011 final.

Aravinda De Silva who was the chairman of selectors at that time, denied the allegation and demanded the former minister to put forward his evidence before ICC.

He also said Sri Lanka were forced to do some changes to the team to balance the team combination because of all rounder Angelo Mathews couldn’t play the final due to an injury.

http://www.newswire.lk/2020/06/20/i-will-not-remain-silent-anymore-aravinda-de-silva/

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka batting legend Aravinda de Silva has refuted the claims made by minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the 2011 World Cup final was fixed and urged the ICC, the BCCI, and the SLC to investigate the “lies”. In an interview with local TV channel ‘Sirasa’, Aluthgamage, who was Sri Lanka sports minister at the time, said that the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed. “Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister,” Aluthgamage had said.

Addressing the allegations, de Silva, who was the Chairman of Selectors of SLC, told Sri Lankan newspaper Sunday Times: “We cannot let people get away all the time with lies. I request everyone, ICC, BCCI, and SLC to investigate this immediately.”

De Silva said legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who won his maiden World Cup after toiling for so long deserve the respect earned after the triumph.

“Just like we cherished our World Cup victory, players like Sachin (Tendulkar) cherish these moments for the rest of their lives. I think in the interest of Sachin and the millions of cricket fans across India, it’s the duty of the Indian government and their cricket board to initiate an impartial inquiry to see whether they have won a fixed World Cup,” he said.

“When serious allegations like these are being made, it affects a lot of people. In this case not only us, the selectors, the players, and the team management but Indian cricketers who deservingly won the world title. We need to clear this once and for all for the greater good of the game we love,” he added.

Former Sri Lanka players Kumar Sangakkara who was the captain in 2011 World Cup and Mahela Jayawaradena had also denied the claims.

The 2011 World Cup final saw Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara electing to bat after winning the toss. Mahela Jayawardena scored a brilliant century and India were asked to chase down a target of 275. With the brilliance of Gautam Gambhir (97) and then skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (91), India achieved the target with six wickets in hand to win the trophy for the second time after 1983.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...xing-claims/story-AjrnT9UUuervhovKM7e2fI.html

 

[MenInG]

ICC to question Aluthgamage on match-fixing allegation

The International Cricket Council is set to question former Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage on his recent statement on match-fixing.

“We look forward to talking to him to see if there are any matters worthy of investigation”, an official from the ICC told NewsWire.

Last week, former Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage made a shocking claim that the ICC World Cup 2011, which India famously won under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, was fixed.

Aluthgamage later clarified that he did not refer to any player when he spoke about the 2011 World Cup final.

He said that he referred to officials in the cricketing field when he alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was fixed.

There were many issues in selection and questions on the 4 changes Sri Lanka made for the 2011 final, Aluthgamage said.

Meanwhile, legal experts believe there is a strong ground to challenge Mahindananda Aluthgamage on making false allegations if he fails to back his claim.

They say Section 13 of the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act carries a fine and a jail term for the offence.

It states: “Any person who makes any false allegation in any information disclosed by such person under section 16 of this Act knowing the content of such allegation to be false or having reasons to believe that such allegation is not true, commits an offence under this Act and shall, on conviction by a Magistrate, be liable to a fine not exceeding rupees one hundred thousand or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both fine and imprisonment

http://www.newswire.lk/2020/06/22/icc-to-question-aluthgamage-on-match/

 

[Abdullah719]

After Declaring Sri Lanka Sold 2011 World Cup Final To India, Minister Says It's His Suspicion

After asserting that the 2011 World Cup final was "sold" by "certain parties" in Sri Lanka to India, the island nation's former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has now called his claim a "suspicion" that he wants investigated. The Lankan government has ordered an enquiry into the matter and a special Police investigation unit recorded Aluthgamage's statement on Wednesday. He told the team that he was only suspicious of fixing. "I want my suspicion investigated," Aluthgamage told reporters. "I gave to the Police, a copy of the complaint I lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on 30 October 2011 regarding the said allegation as then Sports Minister," he said.

Spoiler

Aluthgamage has alleged that his country "sold" the game to India, a claim that was ridiculed by former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene who demanded evidence from him. Set a target of 275, India clinched the trophy thanks to the brilliance of Gautam Gambhir (97) and then skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (91).

"Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, had stated. Sangakkara, the captain of Sri Lanka at that time, asked him to produce evidence for an anti-corruption probe.

"He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," he tweeted. Jayawardene, also a former captain who scored a hundred in that game, ridiculed the charge.

"Is the elections around the corner...like the circus has started...names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet.

Aluthgamage said that in his opinion no players were involved in fixing the result, "but certain parties were."

Both Aluthgamage and the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa were among the invitees at the final played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Following his allegations, Aravinda de Silva, the former great who was the then chairman of selectors, has urged the BCCI to conduct its own investigation. De Silva has said he is willing to travel to India to take part in such an investigation despite the current COVID-19 threat.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/aft...india-minister-says-its-his-suspicion-2252054

 

[MenInG]

A criminal probe has been ordered by Sri Lanka on Monday, to look into the allegations that the 2011 World Cup final in Mumbai was 'sold' to India.

K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, the secretary to the sports ministry told AFP that “a criminal investigation has begun.”

“It is handled by the (police) independent Special Investigation Unit on sports-related offences,” Ruwanchandra added.

Earlier this month, former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had claimed that the 2011 World Cup final was sold. He didn't name any player but said some sections were involved.

Kumar Sangakkara, the captain of the Sri Lanka team in that World Cup has also asked Aluthgamage to share his allegations with the International Cricket Council.

According to reports in the local media, Aravinda de Silva, chief selector for the 2011 finals, has been summoned by the investigators for an interview on Tuesday.

Sri Lankan cricket has earlier been linked to fixing allegations, latest being the claims of match-fixing ahead of a 2018 Test match against England.

However, in November last year, match-fixing was made a criminal offence in the island nation with offenders facing fines of up to 100 million rupees ($555,000) and up to 10 years' jail.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...p-final-fixed-allegations/article31947819.ece

 

[MenInG]

The Sri Lankan police on Tuesday said it has questioned former national selection committee chairman Aravinda de Silva over ex-Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s allegation that the national cricket team’s loss to India in the 2011 World Cup final was fixed by “certain parties“.

Aluthgamage has alleged that his country “sold” the game to India, a claim that was ridiculed by former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene who demanded evidence from him.

De Silva, the then chairman of selectors, was quizzed for over six hours by the police.

Aluthgamage on June 18 made the allegation but later backtracked, saying it was just his suspicion.

A special police investigation unit recorded Aluthgamage’s statement last week.

De Silva, who was the man of the match in the 1996 World Cup final which Sri Lanka won, was summoned by the police on Tuesday to record his statement.

Police sources said that Upul Tharanga, the left-handed opener who played the 2011 final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, would be quizzed next.

Post Aluthgamage’ss allegation, De Silva has asked the BCCI to conduct its own investigation.

De Silva said he was willing to travel to India to take part in an investigation despite the current COVID-19 pandemic.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...vinda-de-silva-questioned/article31958009.ece

 

[MenInG]

A Sri Lankan probe into allegations of fixing in the 2011 World Cup final loss to India intensified after Kumar Sangakkara, skipper of the team, was asked to record his statement on Thursday before the sports ministry’s special investigating unit, domestic media reports said.

Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror newspaper quoted SSP WAJH Fonseka as saying that the investigating unit has summoned Sangakkara to appear at 9 am on Thursday. The probe was ordered after Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was sports minister in 2011, alleged in a media interview that the final was fixed by “certain parties”.

The investigators recorded statements from Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup hero, Aravinda De Silva, who was chief selector during the 2011 World Cup, and Upul Tharanga, who was opening batsman in that match. Aluthgamage had recorded his statement on June 24 before the special investigation unit.

India won the final by six wickets, chasing a target of 275 built on Mahela Jayawardene’s unbeaten 103. Gautam Gambhir (97) and skipper MS Dhoni (91no) led the successful chase at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

“I tell you today that we sold the 2011 World Cup final,” AFP quoted Aluthgamage as saying in the Sri Lankan media on June 18. “Even when I was sports minister I believed this. In 2011, we were to win, but we sold the match. I feel I can talk about it now. I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved.”

Jayawardene, who criticised the comments along with Sangakkara, tweeted his response: “Is the elections around the corner Looks like the circus has started Names and evidence?” Aluthgamage told Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror on June 19: “Mahela has said that the circus has started. I don’t understand why Sanga and Mahela are making a big deal about this. I am not referring to any of our players.”

In a fresh tweet that day Jayawardene said: “When someone accuses that we sold the 2011 WC naturally it’s a big deal because we don’t know how one could fix a match and not be part of the playing 11? Hopefully we will get enlightened after 9 years…”

Arjuna Ranatunga, captain of the 1996 World Cup team, had said in 2017: “When we lost, I was distressed and I had a doubt. We must investigate what happened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World Cup final.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...obe-reports/story-VbDVHXxjXF8Rk45Ed32JtN.html

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara was questioned by police for hours on Thursday after a former Sports Minister claimed the national team deliberately lost the 2011 Cricket World Cup final to India.

Sangakkara, captain of the 2011 side, was the third high-profile official/player to be questioned over the past week, apart from 2011 chief selector Aravinda de Silva and opening batsman Upul Tharanga.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was the Sports Minister at the time, told a local television channel last month that Sri Lanka “sold” the final. He didn’t offer proof in the report.

Sangakkara said he gave a statement to police to fulfil his responsibility to the game, and the truth or untruth of Aluthgamage’s allegations will be known soon.

In the final in Mumbai, Sri Lanka made 274-6 in 50 overs and India won by six wickets with 10 balls to spare. Sangakkara had resigned as captain after the summit clash saying he would be too old to play the next World Cup.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...-allegation-against-india/article31972920.ece

 

[MenInG]

Colombo (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara provided a statement to the ‘Special Investigation Unit on Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports’ for almost 10 hours on Thursday.

Considered as one of the greats in the world of cricket, Sangakkara was summoned to the ‘Special Investigation Unit on Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports’ with regard to the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final fixing claims, made by Ex-Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Speaking to reporters after providing a statement, the former Sri Lankan skipper said the truth about the statement made by Ex-Minister Aluthgamage will be revealed following the conclusion of the investigations.

The ‘Special Investigation Unit on Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports’ has so far recorded statements from Former Chief of Selectors Aravinda De Silva and Cricketer Upul Tharanga.

https://www.newsfirst.lk/2020/07/02...10-hours-on-aluthgamages-match-fixing-claims/

 

[MenInG]

Protests were held in Sri Lanka after cricket legends, including Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, were called up for recording statements regarding an investigation over fixing allegations in the 2011 World Cup final.

Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had earlier alleged that the 2011 World Cup was "sold" to India by Sri Lanka, following which a criminal probe was ordered by the Sri Lankan sports ministry.

After the Sri Lankan cricketers were questioned, the Youth Alliance of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), came in support of the players and staged a protest in front of the Sports Ministry.

According to media reports, the protest was held against the continuous harassment of Kumar Sanagakkara and other cricketers over unconfirmed match-fixing allegations.

Prime Ministerial candidate of the SJB Sajith Premadasa also tweeted in support of the former Sri Lanka skipper and called for end of harassment of the countries sporting legends.

The Government’s behavior is deplorable, said Premadasa via Twitter.

The special investigation unit had earlier also recorded statements from Sri Lanka batting legend Aravinda De Silva, who was chairman of the selection committee at that time, and the opening batsman of that match Upul Tharanga.

Sri Lanka had lost the World Cup final match to India at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium by six wickets.

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cr...d-cup-fixing-investigation-1696321-2020-07-02

 

[Rana]

What is the purpose of all this? What’s the gain now? BCCI will still celebrate it no matter what the outcome of this investigation is

 

[NishanKonar]

This whole episode reminds me of Susanthika jayasinghe. Susanthika was Sri Lankan sprinter who won bronze at 2000 Olympics - becoming first Sri Lankan to win at Olympics after 52 years

But after her victory , she faced constant harassment by the govt & authorities & had to flee to USA & settle down there - ending her career prematurely

There is something rotten in Sri Lankan sport. Worst part is its all getting spearheaded by Arjuna Ranatunga of all parties. Kumar Sangakkara is facing the heat for flagging corruption in Sri Lankan cricket

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

they got to know now?
we knew from the moment it was announced that we are going to host it & its Sachin's last .

 

[Abdullah719]

Sri Lanka drops WC cricket fixing probe for lack of evidence

Sri Lankan police on Friday dropped a match-fixing investigation into the 2011 World Cup final, saying they found no evidence of Sri Lankan players letting their Indian opponents win.

Former chief selector Aravinda de Silva, ex-skipper Kumar Sangakkara and opening batsman Upul Tharanga were questioned this week over suspicions that have dogged the match for years.

"We are satisfied with their explanation," a top police official told AFP. "The inquiry is now closed."

"They had reasonable explanations about the changes that were made to the final squad," the officer added. "We found no evidence of any wrongdoing."

Sri Lanka made four changes to the team for the final that lost to India at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium.

The sudden decision to end the investigation came after the 2011 team's vice-captain Mahela Jayawardena arrived at the office of the Special Investigation Unit to give a statement.

"We will give our maximum cooperation," Jayawardena told reporters before leaving the SIU when officers refused to accept his testimony.

Jayawardena was called in after Sangakkara was grilled for nearly 10 hours by a team of detectives on Thursday.

The investigation was triggered after Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was sports minister in 2011, alleged that the finals was thrown by Sri Lanka to ensure an Indian victory.

Sangakkara, who is also president of England's prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club, had asked Aluthgamage to refer his allegations to the International Cricket Council.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40002689/sri-lanka-drops-wc-cricket-fixing-probe-for-lack-of-evidence

 

[Hitman]

LOL, case closed.

 

[NishanKonar]

It was pretty clear this whole thing was more of political conspiracy hatched by Ranatunga & his friends in govt to ruin the reputation & legacy of Sangakkar bcoz of the stand taken by Sanga against corruption by board & govt

 

[Abdullah719]

STATEMENT FROM ALEX MARSHALL - GENERAL MANAGER, ICC ACU

“The ICC Integrity Unit has looked into the recent allegations regarding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011. At this time, we have not been presented with any evidence that supports the claims made or which would merit launching an investigation under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

“There is no record of any letter regarding this matter sent by the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at the time have confirmed they have no recollection of receiving any such letter which would have led to an investigation. We have no reason to doubt the integrity of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011.

“We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position.

“If anyone has any evidence that this match or any other has been subject to match-fixing, we would urge them to get in contact with the ICC Integrity team.”

 

[sweep_shot]

That game didn't look fishy. India was better than SL and better team won.

 

[MenInG]

Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage runs the risk of being be tried under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act if he the allegations he had made are found to be false with regard to the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, former sports minister Harin Fernando said today.

According to the Act any person making false allegations under Section 16, knowing the allegations to be false, commits an offence and shall, on conviction by a Magistrate, be liable to a fine not exceeding Rs.100,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years or both.

Mr. Aluthgamage's allegations that the cricket final was fixed, raised protests among others by some former MPs including government MP Namla Rajapaksa stressing the need to safeguard the reputation of Sri Lankan cricketers.

Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam commenting on the matter said there was nothing unusual about such situation because ruling party politicians were known to enact dramas for political mileage.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_...risks-court-action-if-proved-wrong/108-191211

 

[Indiafan]

they got to know now?
we knew from the moment it was announced that we are going to host it & its Sachin's last .

You also claimed that Sachin will make a 100 in the match. So despite being proven wrong you continue with your jealous lies

 

[MenInG]

Seems he isnt letting it go!

==

Sri Lanka's former sports minister said Saturday he has offered more evidence to cricket's world governing body that he says shows the 2011 World Cup was fixed. Mahindananda Aluthgamage's remarks come a day after local police dropped an investigation into the claims, citing a lack of evidence that Sri Lanka deliberately lost the final to hosts India.

Police had grilled former chief selector Aravinda de Silva, opening batsman Upul Tharanga and the 2011 captain Kumar Sangakkara -- the latter for nearly 10 hours.

But Aluthgamage, who was sports minister at the time and is now state minister for energy, said there were "powerful people who are spending huge sums of money to hush up the investigation".

He said that he has informed Alex Marshall, anti-corruption chief at the International Cricket Council (ICC), that he was ready to provide more evidence showing the match was thrown.

Aluthgamage said police had failed to probe the claims properly and urged Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to intervene and pressure the ICC to reopen an investigation.

Marshall had said in a statement on Friday that "at this time" the ICC has "not been presented with any evidence that supports the claims made or which would merit launching an investigation".

But he said that the ICC takes "allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position."

Sri Lankan police have not publicly responded to Aluthgamage's claims.

The questioning of the nation's cricketing heroes triggered criticism against the government on social media ahead of elections on August 5 when Rajapaksa's party is hoping to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri...howing-2011-world-cup-final-was-fixed-2257196