Sri Lanka sports ministry orders inquiry into 2011 final fixing allegation

The Sri Lankan Sports Minister on Friday filed a complaint with the special investigations unit calling for probe into accusations leveled by ex-minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who claimed that World Cup 2011 final was fixed.

A Sports Ministry official confirmed that an investigation had been initiated on the matter. Former Minister Harin Fernando in a tweet called for International Cricket Council (ICC)’s assistance rather than making unsubstantiated and wild allegations.

“Former Sports Minister Mahindananda rather than making unsubstantiated wild allegations he should complain to ICC with evidence as I did when I was the Sports Minister on a different fixing approach,” Fernando said.

“Last year we were able to pass the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act in Parliament. Which can be used to punish any wrongdoers in sports,” he added.

Aluthgamage 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, who held the ministry between 2010 to 2015, told Sirasa TV. "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," he said.