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Sri Lanka has commanded a criminal probe into allegations of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final saying it was “sold” to India, officials reported on Tuesday. It was one of the famous wins for India as The Men in Blue lifted the most prestigious trophy after  28 years. While it still remains a haunting moment for Sri Lanka.

“A criminal investigation has begun,” K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, the secretary to the sports ministry, told AFP.

“It is being  handled by the Police independent Special Investigation Unit on sports-related offences.”

Earlier this month Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that Sri Lanka sold the match to ensure an Indian victory.

“I feel I can talk about it now. I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved,” Aluthgamage said.

World Cup-winning Fomer skipper Arjuna Ranatunga had also expressed his doubt on the result and previously requested for an investigation. The local media reports said former Sri Lankan skipper and chief selector for the 2011 finals, Aravinda de Silva, has been summoned for an interview with investigators on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka lost the ICC World Cup final by six wickets at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. Sri Lanka batted first and scored 274 for the loss of 6 wickets off 50 overs after an unbeaten century from Mahela Jayawardene.

Image Credits: ZeeNews

They were in the driver's seat when Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was removed for 18 and flamboyant opener Virendar Sehwag was dismissed for a disappointing duck, leaving the hosts at a troublesome 31 for 2. But India turned the tables around with a match winning 91 not out from MS Dhoni and classic 97 from Gautam Gambhir. Also,what played a crucial role was the  poor fielding and bowling by Sri Lanka, who were led by Kumar Sangakkara.

Kumar Sangakkara in a previous press meet said Aluthgamage should share his allegations with the global governing body the International Cricket Council. Sri Lanka has been linked to corruption allegations in International cricket previously, including claims of match-fixing ahead of a 2018 Test against England.

It also to be noted that earlier this month Sri Lankan Cricket Board reported that the ICC was investigating three unnamed ex-players related to corruption claims. EarlIer in November Match-fixing was officially made a criminal offence. Offenders face fines of up to 100 million rupees and up to 10 years in jail.

Cover Credits: OutlookIndia