ball tampering

R Ashwin and his team Dindigul accused of ‘blatant ball tampering despite repeated warnings’; TNPL CEO demands proof

Danijones15 hours ago04 mins

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin and his team in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), the Dindigul Dragons, were accused of ball tampering by another TNPL franchise, Madurai Panthers. Madurai reportedly wrote to the TNPL authorities accusing Ashwin and his team of deliberately changing the condition of the ball during a TNPL match on June 14 in Salem. The Panthers claim that the defending champions used chemically treated towels to alter the condition of the ball, a serious breach of cricketing regulations, according to The Indian Express. The TNPL officials have demanded proof from he franchise to support their strong claim. File photo of Ravichandran Ashwin in action during IPL(REUTERS) In a letter addressed to the TNPL, D Pooja, CEO of the Madurai franchise, alleged that despite repeated warnings during the match, the Dindigul team “blatantly tampered with the ball,” resulting in changes to the ball’s weight and texture. “The ball produced a metallic sound when it came into contact with the bat,” the letter read, suggesting the alleged chemical treatment led to significant deviation from normal ball behaviour. The match in question was played under damp conditions following a brief rain delay. Madurai batted first and posted 150/8 in 20 overs, a total Dindigul chased down with ease, winning by 9 wickets in just 12.3 overs. Ashwin, captaining the Dindigul side, went wicketless but scored 49 runs while opening the batting. TNPL CEO responds to ball-tampering accusations against R Ashwin Responding to the allegations, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan confirmed that the complaint had been acknowledged, although it was submitted outside the 24-hour window designated for post-match grievances. “We have asked the Madurai Panthers to submit concrete proof,” Kannan said. “If any evidence is presented, we will form an independent committee to investigate. However, without sufficient proof, such serious accusations against a player and a franchise are inappropriate, and Madurai could face sanctions.” Kannan also clarified that the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) provides standard towels to each franchise, and players are permitted to use them for drying the ball only in the presence of umpires. “In the said match, umpires checked the ball after sixes, dismissals, and during over breaks, and found no irregularities,” he added. The TNPL is currently being played amid the monsoon season, with rain frequently impacting match conditions. The allegations have stirred debate among players and officials, and all eyes will now be on whether the Madurai Panthers can substantiate their claims and trigger a formal inquiry.

R Ashwin accused of ball-tampering with chemically-treated towels in Tamil Nadu Premier League: Report

Danijones15 hours ago05 mins

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. Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: Jun 16, 2025