Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sanga and Mahela demand evidence

Is the elections around the corner? Looks like the circus has started. Names and evidence? -Mahela Former minister needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC -Sanga

- LAHIRU POTHMULLA AND PIYUMI FONSEKA

In response to former Sports Minister Mahindanan­da Aluthgamag­e’s allegation that the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed, former Sri Lankan Cricketers Mahela Jayawardan­a and Kumar Sangakkara demanded the names and evidence involved, be revealed.

In an interview with a private television channel, Aluthgamag­e alleged that he can responsibl­y claim that the match was sold to India by certain parties. He said he wished not to involve names of any players.

However, responding to the claims, Mahela Jayawardan­a tweeted,“is the elections around the corner? Looks like the circus has started. Names and evidence? #Slpolitics #ICC.”

Kumar Sangakkara who was the captain of the Sri Lankan Cricket team during the 2011 WC final, tweeted that the former minister needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anticorrup­tion and Security Unit so the claims could be investigat­ed thoroughly.

When contacted by the Daily Mirror, Sangakkara further said it is baffling why Aluthgamag­e who was the sports minister at that time, waited so long to open up about something this serious in such a casual manner.

Former Sri Lanka cricketer and former Sri Lankan cricket team Batting Coach Tilan Samaraweer­a also tweeted and said,“what a shaky statement! Why couldn’t the person who was on the highest seat of sports then, .... Get this investigat­ed by the ICC, then?

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror spoke to Sri Lanka Cricket Board Chairman Shammi Silva regarding the allegation. He said the SLC has never received a complaint or any report over the 2011 WC Final match.

Is the elections around the corner? Looks like the circus has started. Names and evidence?

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