Sports Ministry had approved last-minute changes to Sri Lanka squad ahead of WC 2011 final

A few days ago, former Sri Lanka Sports Minister, Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that the World Cup 2011 final was fixed to leave everyone stunned. He questioned the island nation’s four changes to the playing XI for the title clash. He also went on to state the Sports Ministry’s approval wasn’t taken to make the last-minute changes to the squad ahead of the final.

Sri Lanka were battling injuries with Angelo Mathews and Muttiah Muralitharan struggling with their fitness before the crucial game. This had led to the team seeking replacements for the duo as back-up. Accordingly, Suraj Randiv and Chaminda Vaas flew in to India only for the final. Rather the World Cup’s technical committee had approved Sri Lanka’s request as well.

However, a document in possession with Sunday Times also proves that the Sports Ministry had approved the required changes on March 30, three days ahead of the final. This is in contrary to what Aluthgamage had claimed earlier. “Last minute, there were two players brought down from Sri Lanka. There was no approval from the Cricket Board or from the Ministry to include those two players in the side,” he had said backing his fixing claim.

However, the document evidence cites a completely different story as the letter has been clearly addressed to Aluthgamage, the then Sports Minister. It will be interesting to see now if he comes up with a comment over the latest developments in the matter.

ICC to investigate the claims

Moreover, this is not the first time that the fixing claims are made about the World Cup 2011 final between India and Sri Lanka. Earlier, Arjuna Ranatunga had also claimed that the game was fixed questioning the four changes Sri Lanka had made for the final. After Aluthgamage’s comments, an ICC official had stated that the world cricket body will investigate the claims and also question him in the matter.

As for the final, Mahela Jayawardene smacked a majestic century to give his team a great chance to lift the trophy. But Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni made sure that they took India over the line as the Men in Blue won the World Cup after a long wait of 28 years.