Sri Lanka has ordered a criminal investigation over the results of 2011 Cricket World Cup final over match fixing allegations.
According to K.D.S. Ruwanchandra – sports ministry, “A criminal investigation has begun. It is being handled by the (police) independent Special Investigation Unit on sports-related offences.”
The development comes as earlier, sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had claimed that the 2011 Cricket World Cup final against India was fixed and was ‘sold to India’, and that Sri Lankan side intentionally lost.
As per the latest reports, Aravinda de Silva – former Sri Lankan captain and chief selector for the 2011 finals has been asked to appear before the investigators for an ‘interview’ and record his statement.
In addition to it, Arjuna Ranatunga captain of Sri Lankan cricket team that won 1996 Cricket World Cup, had also been among those who doubted the results of 2011 world cup finals and had raised fixing concerns.
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In 2011, Sri Lanka and India faced each other in 2011 Cricket World Cup Final at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. Sri Lanka batted first and scored 6/274 in 50 overs, however, India came back ‘strongly’ due to dubious fielding performance from the Sri Lankan side resulting in an Indian victory by six wickets.
It is pertinent to know that International Cricket Council (ICC) has made Match-fixing a criminal offence, with offenders facing 10 years in prison and a penalty of up to US$ 555,000.
