World Cup 2023: Sri Lankan MP Alleges Kusal Mendis-Led Side Deliberately Lost To India In Mumbai

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Sri Lankan MP Wimal Weerawansa has made serious allegations after Kusal Mendis-led side suffered a humilating defeat to the hosts India during the ICC World Cup 2023 on November 2.

Sri Lanka, who have had a poor World Cup, were bowled out for a paltry 55 in the run chase of 358 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, handing Rohit Sharma-led India a huge 302-run victory.

Put into bat, India scored a total of 357/8 despite the early wicket of skipper Rohit, while the pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj ran through the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

This was the second time in a space of few months that the Sri Lankan batting has collapsed against the Indian pace attack. Dasun Shanaka's men had been bundled out for just 50 in the Asia Cup 2023 final in Colombo in September.

While the Indian quicks were too hot to handle again in Mumbai on November 2, MP Weerawansa has doubts around the defeat. The MP questioned Mendis' decision to bowl first against India in the World Cup match.

The MP also added that former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is part of the support staff, influenced Mendis' decision at the toss on a batting friendly pitch. He wants the toss decision to be investigated.

The Member of Parliament also said that the ICC is ruled by India and also said the Sri Lankan selection committee is appointed by India during his speech in the parliament.

"That day after winning the toss against India, It's @MahelaJaywho told the Sri Lankan captain to bowl first, Even the Indian Captain was shocked as to why he opted to bowl first, even though they were eager to bat first on that pitch, ICC is ruled by India," a post translated what the MP said in the parliament.

"And Even Sri Lankan selection committee is appointed by India, there were no opening ceremonies in the tournament, but they held a ceremony in #INDVPAK match. There is something big goin on in Cricket, We have to find out why Mahela advised Kusal Mendis to go for bowl first option."

Sri Lanka has so far lost six of the eight matches and are all set for their final outing in the World Cup 2023 agaisnt New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday (November 9).

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board was dissolved following their poor performance in the ongoing tournament, but was reinstated a day later after Court of Appeal's ruling.