Sri Lanka Begins 'Criminal Investigation' Into 2011 World Cup 'Match Was Sold' Allegations

A criminal investigation has begun into the 2011 World Cup final was sold allegations made by ex-Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. His allegations sparked a fresh new controversy on the cricketing circuit as Sri Lanka greats Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who were a part of the 2011 World Cup final playing team, later slammed him for his opinion.

Aluthgamage did not have any proofs to back his claims. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena had took a dig on him and said that his statements are ‘politically oriented’.

While Mahela Jayawardene, who had scored a century in the final, had earlier tweeted “Is the elections around the corner Looks like the circus has started Clown face names and evidence? #SLpolitics #ICC.

Aluthgamage later clarified that his comments were not meant for the players as several officials bought car companies after Sri Lanka lost the final.

“I didn’t refer to any player,” and that he was only speaking about officials who had “purchased car companies” after the match.

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

Sri Lanka begins probe into 2011 World Cup fixing allegation

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

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

India had lifted the World Cup after 27 years.