Web Editor: While always wary of conspiracy theories, this particular interpretation gains some force because “Duminda” presented it on the 1st April before the World Cup Final and because that fact has been attested by one “Nimal” whose circular note re this speculation was co passed on to me by Anne Abaysekara. What we now require is a video of the toss at the India-Pakistan match posted on the public realm. The allegations are as serious as Michael Vaughan’s claims. Both have to be looked at and it is hoped that the ICC will not sweep matters under the carpet.
Will the Toss be manipulated against Sri Lanka?
Duminda XX at da268@yahoo.com
Think of the following scenario:
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 2pm Indian Standard Time, Saturday, April 2, 2011.
A thunderous ovation greets Kumar Sangakkara and M S Dhoni as they walk out to toss. Standing next to them, on the pitch, is former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri with the mike in hand. Dhoni, who is the host captain, takes out the coin. He flips it so that it lands not at the feet of the two captains as is generally the case, but a good 10-12 feet away from Sangakkara, right next to the ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe of New Zealand. Sangakkara, surprised by the trajectory of the coin toss is a little late in reacting. He makes a belated attempt to walk towards the coin. Shastri, all six feet of him, gets in his way, and in a split second, Crowe, the only person to observe the coin on the ground, says, “India have won the toss.” Mumbai erupts, and Sangakkara does his best to keep a straight face. 
The camera and Shastri, move quickly to Dhoni, and Shastri exults, “M.S., you have won it again!!!” Continue reading →
