ICC to speak with Ex-Minister Mahindananda on Match-Fixing allegations

Colombo (News 1st); 

"ICC is getting in touch with him (Mahindananda Aluthgamage). We will see if there are any matters worthy of investigation," a spokesperson at the ICC told News 1st.

On June 18th, the Former Sri Lankan Sports Minister said the 2011 Cricket World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed.

The Former Minister in an exclusive interview with News 1st said he made the claim with absolute responsibility and does not wish to expose further details for the sake of the country.

Thereafter, on the 19th of June, Sports minister Dullas Alahapperuma ordered a full-scale investigation into match-fixing claims involving the finals of the 2011 cricket world cup.

Sports Secretary K.D.S Ruwanchandra had filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Unit to probe malpractices in sports at the ministry, the sports ministry said in a statement on Friday.

He had instructed investigators to submit the progress of their investigations once in every two weeks, according to the ministry.

Former Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara in response to claims made by the former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said as the allegations are very serious, the Ex-Minister must present any evidence available to prove his claim to the ICC.

Sangakkara said the Ex-Minister should also produce said evidence to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit and request for a proper and complete investigation into his claims.

“Then no one needs to speculate and can get to the bottom of this. That should be the most prudent course of action.”, said the former Sri Lankan cricket skipper to News 1st.

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.

“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 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.