Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has been exonerated from ball-tampering accusations by the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) following claims from the Siechem Madurai Panthers. The allegations centred around Ashwin and his team, Dindigul Dragons, allegedly tampering with the ball using chemicals applied to towels during their recent clash.
The Madurai Panthers raised concerns about the condition of the ball during their match in Salem on 14th June. Their coach, Shijit Chandran, suggested in a formal complaint that the towels used by Dindigul Dragons were treated with substances that unfairly influenced the ball’s condition. “The ball’s condition deteriorated rapidly during our innings, affecting our batsmen’s performance,” Chandran stated. He described a scenario where their batsmen seemed to be striking not a cricket ball but “hard stone” post-powerplay, which was allegedly facilitated by the use of “special towels with pre-applied roughening agent.”
However, following an extensive investigation, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan confirmed that no tampering evidence was found. “The towels in question were TNCA-issued and equally available to both teams,” Kannan explained. He also highlighted that the Playing Control Team, including the umpires and match referee, had monitored the ball’s condition throughout the game. “No concerns were raised during play, and no verifiable evidence has been provided. The claims appear speculative and post-facto in nature.”
Kannan further mentioned that if Madurai could present valid, verifiable evidence, they could request an Independent Commission of Enquiry by 3 PM on 17th June, complete with supporting materials such as video or photographic proof. Failure to substantiate their allegations could lead to sanctions under TNCA’s code of conduct.
An internal email revealed that Kannan noted the Panthers had breached protocol by submitting their complaint over 24 hours after the game concluded, and not addressing it to the TNCA honorary secretary as required, rendering the complaint “inadmissible.” Despite this, for fairness and transparency, the TNPL forwarded the complaint to the honorary secretary and involved parties for evaluation.
The match in question saw Dindigul Dragons secure a convincing victory over Madurai in Salem, with their openers Ashwin and Shivam Singh leading the run chase of 151 within 13 overs. Ashwin’s side are the reigning champions of the TNPL, having claimed their first trophy last season.
