In what comes across as a clear publicity stunt, Arjuna Ranatunga has claimed that the India-Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final was fixed, and has also demanded an immediate enquiry into it.
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Ranatunga’s comments are a rebuttal to Sangakkara wanting an inspection of the authorities who sanctioned and planned Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan in 2009.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir reveals dressing room conversations during the 2011 World Cup final
“If Mr. Sangakkara wants an inquiry into the tour of Pakistan then they should have one. But I think we should also inquire what happened to the Sri Lanka Team during the 2011 World Cup final. I think this is something that the Sports Minister should look into rather than concentrating on fitness issues,” Ranatunga said
Ranatunga was part of the commentary team during the final and felt exasperated with Sri Lanka’s performance in the second innings.
Sangakkara has said that he wants a proper investigation regarding the scheduling of the tour.
The Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by masked gunmen during the second test match, forcing the Sri Lankan team to withdraw from the tour. Five Sri Lankan players, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana suffered injuries and were traumatised after the attack.
Also Read: Virender Sehwag had threatened to pull out of the 2011 World Cup
“The ministers who are talking now need to make sure their actions speak louder than their words. The time has come now for these players to confess on what happened and the investigations to be done. I cannot reveal what happened on that day, but I would someday reveal the truth with proof. So, I think we should hold an inquiry into this matter. I was on the panel of commentators during this World Cup final, and I was really disappointed with Sri Lanka’s performance,” he added.
Here’s the video:
Ranatunga’s comments don’t seem to have any depth, and it is clearly an instance of people coming up with ‘obnoxious arguments’ in order to take the focus away from the matter at hand.
India won the 2011 World Cup by 4 wickets, with MS Dhoni finishing it off with one of the most iconic sixes in cricketing history.
