Ravichandran Ashwin and Dindigul Dragons Cleared of Ball-Tampering Allegations in TNPL
Salem, June 16, 2025 – Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and his Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) team, Dindigul Dragons, have been cleared of ball-tampering allegations by the league’s organizers. The accusations were leveled by the Siechem Madurai Panthers following their match on Saturday, June 14, in Salem.
The controversy erupted when Siechem Madurai Panthers lodged a formal complaint against the Dindigul Dragons, alleging that Ashwin’s team used “towels treated with chemicals” to alter the condition of the ball during their game. Madurai’s coach, Shijit Chandran, claimed that the ball’s condition deteriorated rapidly during their innings, leading to a “metallic sound” when the ball made contact with the bat, suggesting a change in its surface. The complaint also stated that the alleged tampering continued despite “repeated warnings” during the match.
However, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan, after a thorough review of the matter, stated that no evidence was found to support the claims. Kannan clarified that the towels in question were TNCA-issued and equally available to both teams. He also highlighted that the Playing Control Team, including the umpires and match referee, maintained full oversight of the ball throughout the match, and no concerns were raised during play.
Furthermore, Kannan pointed out that the Madurai Panthers’ complaint was filed over 24 hours after the match and not directly to the TNCA honorary secretary, which constitutes a procedural violation and renders the complaint “inadmissible” initially. Despite this, in the interest of “transparency and fairness,” the TNPL reviewed the matter.
The TNPL has given the Madurai Panthers until 3 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to submit “credible and verifiable evidence,” such as video, photographic, or testimonial material, for an Independent Commission of Enquiry. Failure to provide sufficient proof could lead to sanctions under the TNCA’s code of conduct and operational rules, as the TNPL cautions against “baseless or defamatory allegations.”
In the match in question, Dindigul Dragons, led by Ashwin, comfortably chased down Madurai’s target of 151 runs in under 13 overs, winning by nine wickets. Ashwin, despite going wicketless, contributed with a quickfire 49 runs off 29 balls as an opener.
This incident marks another moment of controversy for Ashwin in the ongoing TNPL season. Earlier, he was sanctioned for showing dissent at an umpiring decision during a match against Tiruppur Tamizhans, which resulted in a fine of 30% of his match fee. Despite these off-field issues, Ashwin has continued to perform strongly, including smashing a half-century in another TNPL match today (June 16), hours after the ball-tampering allegations came to light.