Former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga on Friday claimed that the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed. He also demanded an investigation into the country’s 2011 World Cup final defeat by India amid allegations of match fixing.
However, hours after claiming that the final match of 2011 World Cup was fixed, Arjuna Ranatunga became the target of fans’ anger on Friday. Arjuna Ranatunga is regarded as one of the best captains in cricket history, he reduced himself to a laughing stock with the claim.
But no one supported him rather many claimed that it was bizarre. Indian cricket fans have taken strong exception and targeted Ranatunga with harsh comments on social media platforms.
Sri Lanka set a total of 274/6 with Mahela Jayawardene’s magnificent hundred (103 off 88 balls). But team India chased down the target with skipper MS Dhoni finishing off with a six in the penultimate over. The win still and forever stays in the hearts of Indian fans.
Ranatunga made the comment as a reported reaction to another captain Kumar Sangakkara`s comments which questioned Lanka’s 2009 tour of Pakistan. The legendary wicket-keeper batsman had asked at whose behest the tour was arranged. Unfortunately, the tour was cut short after terrorists attacked the Lankan team in Lahore.
“Sangakkara wants an inquiry into the tour of Pakistan then they should have one. But I think we should also inquire into 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.
Even Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra, who were part of the winning team slammed the allegation. Gambhir top-scored for India with 97 in the final
“I am surprised by Arjuna Ranatunga’s allegations. These are serious comments by a very respectable voice in international cricket. I think to clear the air, he should back his claims with proofs,” Gambhir said.
Ashish Nehra said that one should not pay much attention to this kind of statements.
“I don’t wish to dignify Ranatunga’s comments by airing my views on the issue. There is no end to this kind of statements. If I question Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory, is it in good taste? So let’s not get into it. But yes, it is disappointing when someone of his stature says something like this,” Nehra told.
Twitter Exploded On Ranatunga’s Statement:
Pretty sure Arjuna Ranatunga has seen all episodes of #InsideEdge
— Deepak Narang (@deepcheat) July 14, 2017
Arjuna Ranatunga says 2011 World Cup was fixed. Sri Lanka cricket & players facing tough time. He should be given medical treatment quickly.
— Wasi Akaram Khan (@WasiAkaram) July 14, 2017
Arjuna Ranatunga’s allegations are in a very very bad taste. I don’t know what prompted him to make such a rubbish statement.
— Harshit Jani (@hsjani) July 14, 2017
if you had said 1996 world cup was fixed we would still had believed you. you didnt deserved to win 96
“Arjuna Ranatunga”@ArjunaRanatunga— Yogesh Hardasani (@yogjan15) July 14, 2017
Can you believe diz Arjuna Ranatunga says 2011 WCfinal was fixed 6yrs after the final Arjuna has come across as Lanka’s Vinod Kambli #lka
— Ramkrrish (@KRamkrrish) July 14, 2017
Ranatunga led Sri Lanka to an unlikely World Cup triumph in 1996, defeating heavy favorites Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Post retirement, Ranatunga started a successful political career. He is now the Minister of Petroleum and Renewable Resources.