It’s been more than nine years since India won the 2011 world cup at Mumbai. The Men in Blue defeated Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede Stadium by six wickets. Former Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has claimed the 2011 World Cup final was fixed. However, Mahela Jayawardene has rubbished those claims.
Former Sri Lanka player Mahela Jayawardene criticised his statement and reacted strongly. The former minister told a news outlet about the final being fixed and added that he stands by his statement.
2011 World Cup final not fixed – Mahela Jayawardene
Athulgamage was the sports minister of Sri Lanka back in 2011 when the final was played. He although didn’t reveal any details or had evidence but claims that certain groups were involved in fixing the game.
“2011 final was fixed. I stand by what I say. It took place when I was the Minister of Sports. I state with full responsibility. However, I do not wish to expose details for the sake of the country. The game against India in 2011, a game which we could have won, was fixed”, Aluthgamage told News1st.
“I state it with responsibility and I can come forward for debate. The people are concerned about it. I would not involve the cricketers in this. However, certain groups were definitely involved in fixing the game”, he added.
However, Sri Lanka captain in the 2011 World Cup final Mahela Jayawardene didn’t take these claims lightly and reacted strongly. He slammed Aluthgamage and asked him for evidence by mocking him on Twitter. Mahela had scored a century in that match but India still won the final and the world cup after 28 years.
Mahela tweeted, “Is the elections around the corner Looks like the circus has started Clown face names and evidence? #SLpolitics #ICC”.
Is the elections around the corner 🤔Looks like the circus has started 🤡 names and evidence? #SLpolitics #ICC https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 18, 2020
