Gambhir, Nehra rubbish Ranatunga's Allegations on 2011 final

 

New Delhi: The 2011 World Cup winners with India, Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra expressed their displeasure over former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga's demands for inquiry on fixing of the 2011 World Cup final that was won by India.

Gambhir who was India’s top scorer in the final said, "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".

While Nehra who was another integral member of the Indian team that lifted the trophy after 28 years said, “I don't wish to dignify Ranatunga's comments by airing my views on the issue. There is no end to these kinds 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 PTI.

Even the Turbanator, Harbhajan Singh was asked to give his views on the matter but he refused to give any.

 Ranatunga on Friday in a press conference had expressed his views on the 2011 final being fixed, “If Mr. 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.” he said.

The 53 year old further added, “The time has come now for these players to confess 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”.

Ranatunga’s spokesman Thamira Manju told AFP that he was writing to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe complaining about the state of cricket in the country.

This statement from Ranatunga comes at a time when the Sri Lankan cricket is facing one of its worst phases, recently also suffering a humiliating 3-2 ODI series loss by the hands of Zimbabwe, who won their first ever series on Sri Lankan soil.