The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU)’s coordinator of investigations Steve Richardson has reached Pune in order to investigate the alleged pitch-fixing controversy, involving suspended curator Pandurang Salgaonkar.

In a sting operation conducted by India Today news channel, Salgaonkar, a former Maharashtra pacer, was seen talking to two reporters, who posed as bookies and also allowing them access to the match pitch.

Talking about the questionnaire, BCCI official told PTI, “ICC’s top ACSU official Steve Richardson has reached Pune on Thursday. Along with Bir Singh (appointed ICC ACU official for the India vs New Zealand series), Richardson will carry out the investigations. He has already spoken to Salgaonkar and will also speak to the two India Today reporters, who carried out the sting.”

Asked if it would be an interrogation, the BCCI official said, “No, it was just questioning. Interrogation is a strong word. He has been suspended by the BCCI and state association pending inquiry. At this point, he has not been pronounced guilty. The ICC will only take a call once Richardson submits his report.”

The incident seems to be similar to that of what happened with Galle curator Jayananda Warnaweera, who was barred for three years for breach of the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

In order to avoid such mishappening in future, the ICC is trying to bring the pitch curators under the anti-corruption education scope. It is learned that the BCCI will be considering to amend the financial model for the curators, which may prevent them from even thinking about entertaining the corrupt practices.