Aluthgamage backtracks on 2011 World Cup fixing claims
When former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed his Ministry had not approved the last-minute additions to the 2011 World Cup team to support his explosive charge of a fixed final, he was widely believed.
A document in the possession of the Sunday Times proves he may be incorrect when he said no approval was granted. Following injury concerns to all-rounder Angelo Mathews and ace spinner Muttiah Muralidaran, the Aravinda de Silva-headed Selection Committee flew in veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas and spinner Suraj Randiv as possible replacements. The addition to the squad was sanctioned by the Technical Committee of the World Cup organisers on Sri Lanka’s request. It is unclear how Aluthgamage could claim his approval was not sought for the replacement when he was the Minister in charge at the time.
“Last minute, there were two players brought down from Sri Lanka,” Aluthgamage told a private TV channel to back up his fixing claim. “There was no approval from the Cricket Board or from the Ministry to include those two players in the side.”
This begs the question why the Minister didn’t initiate an inquiry against the Cricket Board and Selectors for failure to obtain Ministry approval which is a mandatory requirement under the Sports Law. The document shows Selectors followed due process in including the two players in the side. The Ministry stamp came three days ahead of the April 2 final against India in Mumbai.
A letter written by then Board Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga addressed to Minister Aluthgamage on March 30, 2011, shows that Selectors took the decision to include the two players “in consultation with the Team Management and Mr Shabir Asgarally on a conference call as he is out of the country.” The Sports Ministry Secretary granted approval for the inclusion on the same day in order for the two players to travel to India and to join the team for practices.
Sri Lanka were beaten by India in the World Cup final in Mumbai on April 2. Lasith Malinga reduced India to 31 for 2 in their chase of 275 before they raced ahead to win the cup, beating Sri Lanka by a comfortable six-wicket margin. The result is being questioned by the Minister nine years later!
After his allegation went viral, there was outrage from former cricketers including Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena who played in the match. De Silva, who chaired the Selection Committee, also challenged Aluthgamage to substantiate his claims.
This week, the Minister made a statement to the Special Investigation Unit on Sports-Related Corruption. He said he had submitted a six-page letter detailing 24 suspicious activities which he believes took place before and after the title-decider. His backtracking from “sold” to “suspicious” in relation to the final is interesting.
“I want my suspicion investigated,” Aluthgamage told reporters. “I gave the police a copy of the complaint I lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the said allegation as the then Sports Minister along with a six-page letter.”
His claims have caused problems for some acclaimed, respected players. He may have left them out of the equation but everyone involved with the game is deeply uncomfortable. Given India’s significant influence on world cricket, analysts argue this could have far-reaching consequences unless properly investigated.