Following accusations against him and his team, the Dindigul Dragons, by the Siechem Madurai Panthers, former India offspinner R Ashwin was exonerated of ball-tampering charges by the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2025).
During their June 14 match in Salem, the Madurai team accused Dindigul of tampering with the ball by using chemically treated towels.
The Dragons allegedly used "chemically-treated towels to tamper with the ball" by making it heavier during a brief rain break, according to the Panthers' official complaint to the TNPL officials.
After chasing down 151 runs in just 12.3 overs, Dindigul won the match with ease. Despite being wicketless, Ashwin was a vital batsman, scoring 49 off 29 balls.
Panthers' Chief Operating Officer S Mahesh raised the matter with the league in a strongly worded letter, saying: "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."
TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan confirmed that the complaint had been acknowledged, even though it came after the designated period for filing objections.
"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. This is due to rain interruptions during matches amid Tamil Nadu's monsoon season,” Kannan said as per ESPNCricinfo.
However, after a detailed review, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan said no evidence of ball-tampering had been found.
"The towels in question were TNCA-issued and equally available to both teams. The Playing Control Team - including umpires and the match referee - maintained full oversight of the ball throughout the match. No concerns were raised during play, and no verifiable evidence has been provided. The claims appear speculative and post-facto in nature.
Should the franchise possess credible and verifiable evidence, they may submit a formal request for an Independent Commission of Enquiry by 3 PM on 17th June, along with supporting material (video, photographic, or testimonial),” Kannan said in a statement as per ESPNCricinfo.
If Madurai fails to provide proof for their allegations, they may face sanctions under the TNCA code of conduct and operational rules.
Kannan claimed in an email obtained by ESPNcricinfo that the Madurai team had broken protocol by submitting their protest over twenty-four hours after the conclusion of their June 14 match against Dindigul.
In the interest of "transparency and fairness," the TNPL sent the complaint to the honorary secretary and the Dindigul franchise for evaluation, even though Madurai failed to file it with the TNCA honorary secretary as required, rendering it "inadmissible."
