Kumar Sangakkara Breaks His Silence On 2011 World Cup Final Fixing Allegations

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has responded to the recent controversy surrounding the final of the 2011 World Cup. Kumar Sangakkara was the captain when Sri Lanka lost the final to India in front of a packed crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The iconic game landed in controversy last month after former sports minister of Sri Lanka Mahindananda Aluthgamage alleged that the final was fixed. While he could not reveal any evidence to back his claim, he said he takes full responsibility of his comments.

Later, an investigation was launched and Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene were questioned. The police also summoned then selector Aravinda de Silva. The questioning of the legendary cricketers was met by protests on streets by the supporters of these cricketers.

Responding to the episode, Kumar Sangakkara has now revealed that the questioning could be ‘healthy’ for the game. At the same time, he was quick to state levelling allegations over the game was disappointing.

“It is disappointing and also a bit amusing at times. And we had that recently when the ex-sports minister did quite a frivolous claim and we had to go in and answer questions,” Sangakkara was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“Actually, to go through and answer those questions, and making those statements was really really healthy for the game, whether it was me, the selectors, Mahela or anyone else. I think that process is really important for people to understand what respect for the game means. The game of cricket needs people of integrity and people who are not afraid to speak their minds.

“And also when you have any questions to be answered, you don’t need to hide, you can answer any of those. When it comes to politics, when you have politically and morally corrupt individuals, who are affiliated with the sport even in an official capacity, you understand where all this comes from and you don’t have to be afraid to second guess what their motivations are,” he added.

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