TNPL clear Ashwin and Dindigul Dragons over ball-tampering following allegations by opponents Madurai Panthers.
Ashwin and Dindigul Dragons cleared of ball-tampering allegations in TNPL.
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).
During their June 14 match in Salem, the Madurai team accused Dindigul of tampering with the ball by using chemically treated towels.
“The ball’s condition deteriorated rapidly during our innings, affecting our batsmen’s performance,” Madurai coach Shijit Chandran said in the complaint originally addressed to franchise CEO Pooja Damodaran and then sent to the TNPL. “You can hear the sound of every shot our batters played after the powerplay, which were as if they were hitting hard stone instead of a cricket ball.
“We are of the view that the Dindigul Dragons team used foreign substances to alter the ball’s condition, including using special towels with pre-applied roughening agent, which is unacceptable and against the spirit of the game, and amounts to cheating.”
After a detailed review of the matter, 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,” Kannan said in a statement. “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).”