Panthers have officially written to TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan that Ashwin and his players tampered with the ball during Saturday’s match.
| Photo Credit: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN
A fresh controversy has erupted in the TNPL, with Siechem Madurai Panthers levelling serious ball-tampering allegations against Dindigul Dragons and its captain R. Ashwin following Dragons’ nine-wicket victory on Saturday.
Madurai Panthers has officially written to TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan that Ashwin and his players tampered with the ball during the match. The franchise claimed that the Dindigul-side used chemically treated towels, which allegedly made the ball heavier and caused it to produce a metallic sound upon contact with the bat.
In response, the TNPL dismissed the allegations as “unsubstantiated” and requested the franchise to furnish “material evidence” to support its claims. The league also clarified that the towels provided to both teams were standard issue and made equally available. It further stated that the umpires and match referee maintained strict oversight of the ball’s condition throughout the match.
“No protest or concern regarding ball tampering was raised during the match by any official or team representative. The allegation appears to be post-facto, speculative in nature, and based solely on internal team communication without supporting evidence,” read the email from CEO Prasanna Kannan, which was accessed by The Hindu.
The TNCA, in its statement, said it had reviewed the allegations and found no evidence. Match officials also reported no concerns. However, it stated that teams may request an independent inquiry by 3 p.m. on Tuesday with credible evidence, and that any baseless claims may lead to disciplinary action.
Published – June 16, 2025 08:26 pm IST
