'World Cup 2011 final was fixed': Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister comes up with shocking claim

Former Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has made a shocking claim that the ICC World Cup 2011, which India famously won under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, was fixed. Aluthgamage was the Sri Lankan Minister of Sports during the 2011 World Cup and took full responsibility for his statement. Interestingly, Aluthgamage's claims haven't been supported by any proof or evidence. 

India successfully chased down the 275-run target posted by Sri Lanka in the summit clash of ICC World Cup 2011 with Gautam Gambhir and Dhoni playing crucial roles with the willow. While Gambhir struck a handsome 97, Dhoni promoted himself ahead of an in-form Yuvraj Singh to control the steering wheel and score an unbeaten 91 to help India lift the coveted trophy.

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However, Aluthgamage further said the final which Sri Lanka could have won, was fixed while adding he won’t involve cricketers in the latest row. 

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"I stand by what I say. It took place when I was the Minister of Sports"

“The 2011 final was fixed. I stand by what I say. It took place when I was the Minister of Sports,” Mahindananda Aluthgamage told Sri Lankan news outlet News 1st.

When further asked whether he is saying it with absolute responsibility, the former Sri Lanka sports minister said: “I state with full responsibility. However, I do not wish to expose details for the sake of the country. The game against India in 2011, a game which we could have won, was fixed. “

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“I state it with responsibility and I can come forward for a debate. The people are concerned about it. I would not involve the cricketers in this. However, certain groups were definitely involved in fixing the game,” he added.

However, three years later, Sri Lanka went on to lift the T20 World Cup 2014 after defeating India in the final in Dhaka.  India, batting first had posted 130 runs on the board, with Sri Lanka chasing the total with ease in just 17.5 overs courtesy Kumar Sangakkara’s unbeaten 52 off 35.