Srinagar, June 30: With voices getting louder after former Sri Lanka Sports Minister claiming that Sri Lanka cricket team lost to hosts India in final of World Cup 2011 due fixing involvement Sri Lanka Goverment has initiated Police investigation.
News Agency AFP has reported that Police has begun its probe into the matter as confirmed by Sports Ministry.
“A criminal investigation has begun,” K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, the secretary to the sports ministry, was quoted by AFP.
“It is handled by the (police) independent Special Investigation Unit on sports-related offences, ” It further said.
It all started after former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that Sri Lanka sold the match to ensure an Indian victory.
“I feel I can talk about it now. I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved,” Aluthgamage had said.
The 1996 World Cup-winning skipper of Sri Lanka Arjuna Ranatunga has also cast doubt on the result and previously called for an investigation.
Local media reports said former skipper and chief selector for the 2011 finals, Aravinda de Silva, had been summoned for an interview with investigators on Tuesday.
After starting strongly, Sri Lanka lost the final at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium by six wickets.
Sri Lanka batted first and scored 274-6 off 50 overs. They appeared in a commanding position when Sachin Tendulkar was out for 18.
But India turned the game dramatically, thanks in part to poor fielding and bowling by Sri Lanka, who were led by Kumar Sangakkara.