R Ashwin, Dindigul Dragons Accused of ‘Blatant Ball Tampering’ in TNPL — TNPL CEO Demands Proof

TNPL CEO Demands Proof: Ravichandran Ashwin, a former India all-rounder and captain of Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, has been accused of ball tampering by a franchise in the competition, Madurai Panthers. According to reports from several sources, Madurai franchise sent complaints to TNPL claiming that Ashwin and his team manipulated the condition of the ball during TNPL match on June 14 in Salem When referencing to the complaint, Madurai stated that the defending champions used towels that were chemically treated to alter the condition of the ball, which is a serious violation of cricketing rules according to The Indian Express. TNPL officials have requested evidence from Madurai to legitimize their strong accusations.

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In the letter to the TNPL, D Pooja, the CEO of the Madurai franchise, stated that the Dindigul team "blatantly tampered with the ball" notwithstanding several reminders during the match and relatively calculation affected the weight and texture of the ball. "The ball made a metallic sound when it hit the bat," it said suggesting the alleged chemicals anyways affected the balls natural behaviour.

The match took place in wet conditions after a minor rain delay. Madurai batted first and scored 150/8 in 20 overs, and Dindigul chased it down comfortably winning the match by 9 wickets, only taking 12.3 overs to do so. Ashwin, the Dindigul captain, did not take a wicket with the ball, but did score 49 runs at the top of the order.

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TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan responded by saying that the complaint had been received, although it was filed outside of the 24 hour period following the match for 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. However, without sufficient proof, such serious accusations against a player and a franchise are inappropriate, and Madurai could face sanctions.”

Kannan also confirmed that every franchise receives standard towels from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and a player is only allowed to dry the ball with the towels in the presence of the umpires. “In the said match, umpires checked the ball after sixes, dismissals, and during over breaks, and found no irregularities,” he added.

The TNPL has also taken place during monsoon season and rain has disrupted match conditions regularly. The allegations have generated debate amongst players and officials and it will be interesting to see whether the Panthers are able to back up their claims and force an investigation.

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