2011 WC final match-fixing probe ends, players cleared

• Investigation ended due to insufficient evidence following statements of several reputed cricketers 

By Madushka Balasuriya 

Following days of investigations, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Ministry of Sports yesterday concluded that there was “insufficient evidence” to suggest that the 2011 Cricket World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed. The investigation was prompted following allegations made last month by Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was sports minister at the time.

Former cricketers Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara and Aravinda De Silva had each been called to provide statements over the past week, with the former two part of the Sri Lankan outfit that took part in the final, while De Silva was Chief Selector at the time. Former Captain Mahela Jayawardene was also due to provide a statement yesterday, but having first postponed the meeting the SIU shortly after decided his statement would not be needed as they had gathered enough information to file a report to the Sports Ministry.

The investigation into the alleged fixing of the 2011 final has been denounced by fans and former cricketers, as well as politicians. Indeed, the issue has seemingly transcended partisan lines with the likes of Harsha De Silva, Harin Fernando and Namal Rajapaksa, all among those to have taken to social media to criticise the investigation.

For their part, the SIU likely had little choice but to look into the allegations after Aluthgamage, who will be seeking re-election at next month’s Parliamentary polls, doubled down on his accusations having first made them on a TV news program, on 18 June. Days after making the shocking claims, Aluthgamage handed in a six-page letter encompassing 14 allegations to the SIU.

The allegations were primarily centred on changes to the squad ahead of the World Cup final. However following rigorous questioning, the SIU came to the conclusion that the changes were justified and that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the probe.

“Having taken down several statements [from former players] the investigative unit has come to the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with an inquiry, and therefore the Acting IGP has been informed that the inquiry has been halted,” stated Police media Spokesperson SSP Jaliya Senaratne. 

Now that these allegations have been dismissed, it remains to be seen what, if any, legal action is taken against the former minister. Last year Sri Lanka became the first South Asian country to criminalise match-fixing when it passed the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act; as per Section 13 of the Act, false allegations can lead up to a three-year prison term.

Furthermore, it will also become clear in the coming days whether or not those summoned to provide statements, all of whom were interrogated for several hours each – will take legal action of their own.