R Ashwin continues to remain in the spotlight during the ninth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Just days after being sanctioned for an outburst against an on-field umpire, Ashwin has now been accused of ball tampering by one of the franchises.
According to The Indian Express, the Siechem Madurai Panthers—one of the eight teams in the TNPL—have accused Ashwin and his team, Dindigul Dragons, of tampering with the ball during their match on Saturday, 14 June, at the SCF Cricket Ground in Salem.
In a written complaint to the TNPL, the Madurai Panthers alleged that Ashwin and his team used towels—allegedly treated with chemicals—to alter the condition of the ball. They also claimed that the tampering continued despite “repeated warnings”.
However, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan, as quoted in the report, dismissed any immediate suggestion of foul play. He urged the Madurai Panthers to produce concrete evidence to support their claims against Ashwin and the Dindigul franchise.
“They have filed a complaint, which we have acknowledged. Although complaints are to be lodged within 24 hours of the match, we have still accepted it and asked them to provide proof of their allegations,” Prasanna told the newspaper.
“We will form an independent committee if there is any substance to the claims. Without sufficient evidence, it is inappropriate to level such accusations against a player or franchise. If no evidence is presented, the Madurai Panthers will face sanctions,” he added.
Prasanna also clarified that the TNPL has permitted the use of towels provided by the league to dry the ball in front of the umpires. This decision was taken in light of the league’s scheduling, which coincides with the monsoon season in Tamil Nadu.
ASHWIN SHINES WITH BAT
The match in question began after a short rain delay in Salem.
Batting first, the Madurai Panthers were restricted to 150 for 8 in their 20 overs after Ashwin won the toss and chose to field. Atheeq Ur Rahman was the top scorer, registering a half-century off 41 deliveries.
Ashwin bowled a disciplined spell, conceding just 27 runs in his four overs. G Periyasamy and DT Chandrasekhar picked up two wickets apiece, while Varun Chakravarthy returned figures of 1 for 19 in four overs. Fast bowler Sandeep Warrier also chipped in with a wicket.
In response, Ashwin led the chase with a scintillating 29-ball 49, continuing his strong form as an opener for Dindigul in this year’s TNPL. His knock included three sixes and six boundaries.
However, it was his opening partner, Shivam Singh, who stole the limelight with an explosive 41-ball 86, featuring six sixes and eight fours. Dindigul chased down the target of 151 in just 12.3 overs.
Earlier in the season, Ashwin was fined 30 percent of his match fee for showing dissent at an umpiring decision during Dindigul’s match against the Tiruppur Tamizhans on 6 June 6.
Defending champions Dindigul, who are in fifth spot with two wins in three matches, will take on Chepauk Super Gillies, June 16, on Monday in Salem.
