Sri Lanka Police closes 2011 WC final match-fixing probe for lack of proof

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had alleged that the final was fixed by "certain parties". After his claim, the Special Investigation Division of the Police launched an inquiry of players who were part of the final.

Colombo: The Sri Lankan Police on Friday closed its investigation into allegations that the country's 2011 World Cup final loss to India was fixed. Sri Lanka Police said it found no evidence after recording statements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had alleged that the final was fixed by "certain parties". After his claim, the Special Investigation Division of the Police launched an inquiry of players who were part of the final.

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage

"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, police superintendent Fonseka, in charge of the special investigation unit on prevention of offences relating to sports, told reporters.

Aluthgamage levelled as many as 14 allegations. However, Fonseka said it could not be corroborated.

"We see no reason why players must be further questioned", Fonseka added.

Fonseka's investigation unit grilled Aravinda de Silva -- the then chairman of selectors and, Sangakkara, the captain of the final, Upul Tharanga, one of the openers and Mahela Jayawardene.

Mahela Jayawardene

De Silva and Sangakkara, the sitting president of the MCC, were interrogated for over six and 10 hours respectively by the police, which led to protests outside SLC office on Thursday.

Fonseka said the three cricketers, who gave statements, had adequately explained the reasons for sudden team changes in the final -- one of the accusations made by Aluthgamage.

The former sports minister had raised doubts about four changes in team selection in the final.

"We felt that summoning all players to give statement would create an unnecessary uproar," Fonseka said adding that despite Aluthgamage's claims the ICC hadn't pursued the matter.

Kumar Sangakkara

The quizzing of players drew public ire and the former sports minister was subjected to criticism for raising the issue after nine years of the event.

Aluthgamage claimed that he believed that players were not involved but couldn't prove how could a match be fixed without the involvement of the participants.