In the documentary, Tharanga Indika, the curator and assistant manager at the Galle venue, reportedly claimed to be able to prepare a pitch to suit a desired result.

According to The Australian, the documentary is set to air allegations that the pitch used for the 2016 Test at Galle, which Australia lost by 229 runs after being bowled out for 106 and 183, was doctored.

Al Jazeera’s investigation also is expected to reveal how the pitch for the India-Sri Lanka Test at the venue in 2017 was excessively altered to favour the batsmen. The alleged match-fixers – Robin Morris and Tharindu Mendis – are shown, with hidden cameras, paying Indika reportedly $37,000 to doctor the pitch.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been in touch with Al Jazeera, and although the news organisation has not shared information, the ICC has launched its own investigation into the matter.

In a statement, the ICC said: “We will take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make very seriously. We have already launched an investigation working with anti-corruption colleagues from member countries based on the limited information we have received.

“We have made repeated requests that all evidence and supporting materials relating to corruption in cricket is released immediately to enable us to undertake a full and comprehensive investigation.”

The Telegraph reported that Indika and Morris had denied involvement in pitch-fixing.