A documentary by Al Jazeera has allegedly uncovered a match-fixing scandal involving the curator of the Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka, where Australia were thrashed inside three days in 2016.
The documentary, which airs on Sunday morning, shows Galle stadium assistant manager and curator Tharanga Indika claiming to be able to prepare a pitch to suit a desired outcome.
Al Jazeera’s investigation reveals the pitch for the Sri Lanka-India Test at Galle in 2017 was doctored to favour batsmen, while the match-fixers allegedly exposed in the documentary – Robin Morris and Tharindu Mendis – also claim the next match to be targeted is England’s Test at the same venue in November.
The Australian reports the documentary will air allegations that the pitch used for the 2016 Test at Galle, where Australia were bowled out for 106 and 183 to lose by 229 runs, was doctored.
In that Test, 18 Australian wickets fell to spin bowling as the tourists failed to bat more than 85 overs across both innings.
The International Cricket Council has launched its own investigation into the findings of the documentary, saying in an official statement “will take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make very seriously.”
