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Last Updated : 2024-04-24 03:35:00
Aluthgamage had the right to do what he did - Thilanga
Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka cricket selection committee Aravinda de Silva responded to the allegations made by former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, urging him to take his evidence of match-fixing to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Aluthgamage, who was the Sports Minister at the time, told a private television station last week that he believed the 2011 Cricket World Cup final between Sri Lanka and India was fixed, claiming that there was suspicion about the four changes made to the team that won the semi-final against New Zealand.
“This is a joke. We didn’t make four changes outright, if you look at the team, not having Angelo Mathews meant that we needed to balance the team and were compelled to make those changes. The selection process involves a lot of people, with senior players, coaches, physios among those who give their input,” de Silva told a different private television station.
“He needs to come out with a name and if he has proof he should take it to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. Why is he talking about this after nine years?” de Silva, who was the Chairman of Selectors at the time, added.
Aluthgamage has been widely lambasted for his comments on social media especially by former players, but he found support in Thilanga Sumathipala, the former deputy speaker of parliament and former president of Sri Lanka Cricket who seemingly took a shot at the cricketers who tweeted about Aluthgamage’s allegations.
Jayawardene posted a seemingly sarcastic response to the former SLC President’s comments on twitter yesterday, saying, “I am sorry next time we will check with him before reacting and wearing the hats since he has vast experience on the subject matter
“We were in a good position in that game and there was a huge expectation that we would win the final. Former Minister Aluthgamage had the right to do what he did, and he said players are not involved, and that statement will follow due procedure. Why are they getting worried and tweeting about it if they are not guilty of anything? If they have not done anything wrong they don’t need to wear the hat,” Sumathipala told a media conference.
Former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene both responded to Aluthgamage’s initial comments on twitter -- one saying the allegations should be taken to the ICC and the latter suggesting it was election fodder -- which drew a rebuttal from Sumathipala.
Jayawardene posted a seemingly sarcastic response to the former SLC President’s comments on twitter yesterday, saying, “I am sorry next time we will check with him before reacting and wearing the hats since he has vast experience on the subject matter.”
(SMD)
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