The Madurai Panthers, another franchise in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), accused former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin and his Dindigul Dragons team of ball tampering. According to reports, Madurai accused Ashwin and his team of intentionally altering the condition of the ball during a TNPL game on June 14 in Salem in a letter to the TNPL officials. According to The Indian Express, the Panthers allege that the defending champions made a significant violation of cricket regulations by using chemically treated towels to change the ball's condition. The franchise's strong assertion has prompted TNPL officials to request evidence.

D. Pooja, CEO of the Madurai franchise, accused the Dindigul team in a letter to the TNPL of "blatantly tampering with the ball" and altering its weight and texture despite being repeatedly warned during the game. The letter stated that "the ball produced a metallic sound when it came into contact with the bat," implying that the purported chemical treatment caused a considerable deviation from typical ball behavior.

After a short rain delay, the game took place in humid circumstances. Madurai batted first, scoring 150/8 in 20 overs, a total that Dindigul easily chased down to win by 9 wickets in just 12.3 overs. Ashwin, the Dindigul captain, opened the batting and scored 49 runs, but he did not take any wickets.

The CEO of TNPL addresses R. Ashwin's ball-tampering allegations.

In response to the claims, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan admitted that the complaint had been received, even if it was filed outside the 24-hour period set for post-match complaints. “We have asked the Madurai Panthers to submit concrete proof,” Kannan said. “If any evidence is presented, we will form an independent committee to investigate.” Such grave allegations against a player and a team are unacceptable, however, and Madurai might face penalties if there is not enough evidence.

Kannan further explained that players are only allowed to use the standard towels provided by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) for drying the ball in the presence of umpires. "In the said match, umpires checked the ball after sixes, dismissals, and during over breaks, and found no irregularities," he continued.

The TNPL is presently being played during the monsoon season, with rain frequently affecting match conditions. The accusations have sparked discussion among players and officials, and everyone will be watching to see if the Madurai Panthers can back up their allegations and call for a formal investigation.

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