Sri Lanka call off 2011 World Cup ‘fixing’ probe

Colombo, July 3: The Sri Lankan Police on Friday ended its investigation into allegations that the country’s 2011 World Cup final loss to India was fixed, saying it found no evidence after recording statements of stalwarts like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had alleged that the final, which India won, was fixed by “certain parties” leading to an inquiry by the Special Investigation Division of the Police.

“We will be sending a report to the Secretary, Ministry of Sports who directed us. We have concluded the investigation following an internal discussion held today”, Jagath Fonseka, police superintendent Fonseka, in charge of the special investigation unit on prevention of offenses relating to sports, told reporters.

According to Fonseka, the 14-point allegations levelled by Aluthgamage, could not be corroborated.

Fonseka’s investigation unit interviewed Aravinda de Silva — the then chairman of selectors — Sangakkara, the captain at the final, Upul Tharanga, one of the openers and Mahela Jayawardene.

ICC WON’T INVESTIGATE MINISTER’S FIXING CLAIM

The International Cricket Council will not be launching a formal investigation into alleged corruption around the 2011 World Cup final following claims by a former Sri Lanka sports minister that the national team lost the match to India for money. “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 code,” said Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC’s anti-corruption unit.