Published 19:40 IST, July 1st 2020
Sri Lanka's SIU questions Upul Tharanga for 2 hours over 2011 WC final fixing allegations
As the Sri Lankan govt continues its probe into the ICC 2011 World Cup final fixing allegations SIU summoned cricketer Upul Tharanga and recorded his statement
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As the Sri Lankan government continues its probe into the ICC 2011 World Cup final fixing allegations, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) summoned cricketer Upul Tharanga on Wednesday. The opening batsman who was a part of the Sri Lankan squad in Wankhede was questioned for two hours. Tharanga had scored two runs off 20 deliveries in the final against MS Dhoni-led India. The probe comes after former Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage alleged that the 2011 final was 'sold' to India.
"They asked a few questions in connection with the ongoing investigation. I gave my statement," Sri Lankan media quoted the 35-year-old batsman.
Lanka police questions De Silva
The Sri Lankan police on Tuesday said it has questioned former national selection committee chairman Aravinda de Silva over ex-Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage's allegation that the national cricket team's loss to India in the 2011 World Cup final was fixed by "certain parties". Following the sparking controversy, the International Cricket Council has also stated that it would question former Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage regarding his allegations.
'ICC did not respond'
Earlier, Aluthgamage had stated that he had written to the ICC in 2012 regarding the matter, however, they never responded to him. He has also claimed that the team was changed at the last moment without his consultation and the events that transpired after that made him initiate the 'anti-fixing bill.'
Speaking to a Sri Lankan daily, Aluthgamage questioned 'how certain cricket officials' allegedly purchased car companies and started new businesses within a year of the final game between India and Sri Lanka. He emphasized that he was not referring to any players but 'officials' in the cricketing fraternity. The then Sports Minister also claimed that the Sri Lankan team was playing well and were favourites to win the final, but the team who played the game was not the team that authorities had selected. There were 'last moment changes' without any consultation, he claimed.
19:40 IST, July 1st 2020