Mahela hits back at Sumathipala amidst match-fixing claims

COLOMBO (News1st): Former national cricketer Mahela Jayawardena has hit back at former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala amidst match-fixing claims surrounding the 2011 world cup final. The sports minister at the time Mahindananda Aluthgamage, recently alleged that Sri Lanka had "sold" the finals to India, drawing sharp responses from former cricketers who demanded evidence. "If the players are not linked to match-fixing, there is nothing to feel upset about this," Thilanga Sumathipala, the one-time SLC chief remarked. However, Jayawardena, a centurion in the final, shot back by sarcastically stating that he would consult Sumathipala before making such remarks. "I am sorry next time we will check with him before reacting and wearing the hats since he has vast experience on the subject matter," Jayawardena tweeted. Meanwhile, former sports officials have also raised questions as to who was involved in match-fixing, as Aluthgamage had denied that the players were linked to it. "If the players are not involved there are two remaining factions. That is the political authority and the SLC," K.S Peiris, a former deputy director at the department of sports development said. He stressed that it is the responsibility of former minister Aluthgamage to divulge the names of those who were involved in match-fixing during the final.