Cricket: Sri Lanka police investigate allegations 2011 World Cup final was fixed

It was recently voted the greatest sporting moment of the century but India’s Cricket World Cup win is now being investigated by police.

Kumar Sangakkara resigned as Sri Lanka cricket captain three days after losing to India in the 2011 World Cup final. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lanka has ordered a criminal probe into allegations the 2011 Cricket World Cup final was “sold” to India, officials said Tuesday.

India’s famous victory was voted the greatest sporting moment from 2000-2020 in a Laureus poll earlier this year but has long been a sore point for many in Sri Lanka.

“A criminal investigation has begun,” K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, the secretary to the sports ministry, told AFP.

“It is (being) handled by the (police) independent Special Investigation Unit on sports-related offences.”

Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed earlier this month 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 said.

The island nation’s 1996 World Cup-winning skipper 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 6/274 off 50 overs after an unbeaten century from Mahela Jayawardene.

They appeared in a commanding position when Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar was removed for 18, leaving the hosts 2/31.

But India turned the game dramatically, thanks to a matchwinning 91 not out from MS Dhoni but also poor fielding and bowling by Sri Lanka, who were led by Kumar Sangakkara.

Sachin Tendulkar (second from left) celebrates with teammates as he holds the trophy after beating Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 final. Picture: AFP PHOTO/MANAN VATSYAYANA

India batsman Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni embrace after Dhoni’s six ended the match. Picture: AFP PHOTO/Prakash SINGH

Sangakkara had said Aluthgamage should share his allegations with the global governing body the International Cricket Council.

International cricket in Sri Lanka has previously been linked to corruption allegations, including claims of match-fixing ahead of a 2018 Test against England.

Earlier this month, the Sri Lankan cricket board said the ICC was investigating three unnamed ex-players over corruption claims.

Match-fixing was made a criminal offence in November. Offenders face fines of up to 100 million rupees ($555,000) and up to 10 years’ jail.