TNPL Clears Ravichandran Ashwin and Dindigul Dragons from Ball-Tampering Charges

The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has cleared Ravichandran Ashwin and his team, Dindigul Dragons, of ball-tampering charges. Siechem Madurai Panthers had accused Dindigul of using chemically treated towels to alter the ball’s condition during a match in Salem on June 14, 2025.

Complaint Against Dindigul Dragons

Shijit Chandran, the coach of Madurai, filed a complaint. He noticed several issues:

• The ball’s condition deteriorated quickly during their innings.
• This affected their batsmen’s performance.
• The sound of every shot after the powerplay was unusual.
• It sounded like the batters were hitting hard stone instead of a cricket ball.

The complaint also alleged that:

• Dindigul Dragons used foreign substances to alter the ball’s condition.
• They used special towels with a pre-applied roughening agent.
• This is unacceptable and against the spirit of the game.

TNPL’s Investigation

TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan announced that no evidence supported the claims. He stated:

• The towels in question were issued by TNCA.
• Both teams had equal access to these towels.

He also mentioned:

• The Playing Control Team, including umpires and the match referee, oversaw the ball throughout the match.
• No concerns were raised during play.
• No verifiable evidence has been provided.
• The claims appear speculative and post-facto in nature.

Kannan noted procedural violations by Madurai:

• Their complaint was filed over 24 hours after the match.
• It was not sent directly to the TNCA honorary secretary.
• This made the complaint inadmissible.

However, in the interest of transparency and fairness, the TNPL reviewed the matter after forwarding it to the honorary secretary and Dindigul.

Potential Sanctions for Madurai

Madurai has until 3 PM on June 17, 2025, to submit credible evidence. This could include:

• Video material
• Photographic material
• Testimonial material

This evidence is for an Independent Commission of Enquiry. Failure to provide proof could lead to sanctions under the TNCA’s code of conduct and operational rules.

Dindigul’s Performance Against Madurai Panthers in TNPL

In the match in question, Dindigul Dragons chased down Madurai’s 151 in under 13 overs. They were led by openers R Ashwin and Shivam Singh.

The defending champions, who won their first TNPL title last season, secured their second victory in TNPL 2025. This showcased their dominance.