Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been accused of ball-tampering in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025, where he is leading the defending champions Dindigul Dragons.
The accusation has been made against Ashwin by Madurai Panthers after their game against the Dragons on Saturday (June 14).
Dragons emerged victorious in the match by nine wickets as they overhauled a target of 151 with 45 deliveries to spare.
Opening the innings, Ashwin scored 49 runs in just 29 balls with the help of six boundaries and three sixes. His opening partner, Shivam Singh, was the top-scorer with an unbeaten knock of 86 in 41 balls.
Earlier, Ashwin delivered four overs and conceded 27 runs but failed to claim a wicket. Varun Chakaravarthy also plays for the Dragons and gave away just 19 runs in four overs while returning with one scalp.
In their complaint to TNPL, the Panthers have alleged the Dragons of using towels treated with chemicals, prompting the balls to go heavier than usual and producing a metallic sound off the bat.
“A serious case of ball tampering occurred during our recent match against Dindigul Dragons. Despite repeated warnings, the Dindigul team blatantly tampered with the ball, using towels that appeared to have been treated with chemicals," Panthers CEO D Pooja wrote in an official complaint to the organisers, as quoted by The Indian Express.
However, the franchise hasn’t provided any proof yet, and TNPL management has asked them to produce evidence of the wrongdoings by Ashwin and his team.
“They have filed a complaint, which we have acknowledged. Though they have to lodge any complaints within 24 hours of the game, we have still accepted it and have asked them to furnish proof of their allegations. We will be forming an independent committee if we find there is any truth to their allegations. Without sufficient evidence, it is wrong to put forth such allegations against a player and another franchise. If they don’t provide any evidence, then Madurai will face due sanctions," TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan told the publication.
Kanan also explained that teams are allowed to use towels but only those provided by the TNPL. He further claimed that umpires regularly check the ball after a six is hit, every dismissal, and during the over break, but found nothing wrong.
“They have to dry the ball only using the towels provided by TNPL. And every time the ball is hit for a six or immediately after a dismissal and over-break, umpires regularly check the ball and they didn’t find any issue with the ball during the said match,” Kannan said.
Talking about Ashwin, he called time on his international career in December last year, but has continued to play franchise cricket. He represented Chennai Super Kings in the recently held IPL 2025 season.
