In recent developments from Sri Lanka, the much-hyped 2011 World Cup final fixing probe ended in a stalemate as the investigation did not find any evidence.
The probe unit was set-up on the repeated demands from former Sri Lankan Sports Minister, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who claimed that the final of the coveted tournament was fixed by ‘certain parties’.
The uproar led to the initiation of an enquiry by the Special Investigation Division of the Police. With no evidence found, Sri Lankan police decided to call off the investigation.
Earlier, the Lankan greats Aravinda de Silva, who was the chief selector then, was summoned by the investigation unit, along with the then captain Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardena.
Even former Lankan opener Upul Tharanga was quizzed by the investigation committee. Massive protests assembled in front of SLC office when the interrogation hours reached over 10 hours on Thursday.
“We will be sending a report to the Secretary, Ministry of Sports who directed us. We have concluded the investigation following an internal discussion held today,” Jagath Fonseka, the police superintendent in charge of the special investigation unit on prevention of offences relating to sports, told reporters.
“We see no reason why players must be further questioned”, he added. “We felt that summoning all players to give statements would create an unnecessary uproar,” Fonseka said while diffusing Aluthgamage claims.
Earlier, De Silva urged ICC and SLC to launch a probe for clearing their names in the charges which brought disrepute to the personnel involved in the auspicious event for Indian cricket, including Sachin Tendulkar.
According to the ex Sports Minister, the Sri Lankan team management did not intimate authorities about the team changes on the eve of the day of final.
Aluthgamage asserted that players were not involved. However, he couldn’t prove how could a match be fixed without the involvement of the participants.
