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Controversy Rock TNPL As Panthers Accuse Ravi Ashwin's Dragons Of Ball Tampering

Akshita Patel

Ravi Ashwin and Dragons faces ball tampering changers in TNPL [Source: TNPL]Ravi Ashwin and Dragons faces ball tampering changers in TNPL [Source: TNPL]

In a shocking development, the Madurai Panthers levelled charges of ball-tampering against Indian star spinner Ravi Ashwin and his TNPL side, Dindigul Dragons, during their game on June 14. The Panthers claimed that Ashwin and his teammates used chemical-treated towels to alter the condition of the ball, making it heavier and producing a metallic sound when it hit the bat.

The Dindigul Dragons, led by Ashwin, won the match convincingly by 9 wickets, chasing down 151 in just 12.3 overs. Ashwin didn’t take any wickets but played a key role with the bat, scoring 49 runs as an opener.

TNPL CEO Demands Proof Over Ball Tampering Charges Against Ashwin And Co

The Madurai Panthers are at loggerheads with the Ravi Ashwin-led Dindigul Dragons, accusing the latter of ball tampering. 

Following the complaint, Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) CEO Prasanna Kannan, speaking to Indian Express, confirmed that they had received an official letter from the Madurai franchise.  Although complaints are supposed to be submitted within 24 hours of a match, the TNPL still accepted it and has now asked Madurai to provide solid evidence. 

The Panthers’ COO, S. Mahesh, wrote in the letter that the ball was tampered with “despite repeated warnings” and that the Dindigul team openly used suspicious towels. However, TNPL rules allow players to use standard towels provided by the organisers, especially during wet conditions, like the ones in this rain-affected game in Salem.

Kannan added that umpires regularly checked the ball during the match, especially after boundaries and wickets, and found nothing unusual.

Now, the ball is in the Madurai Panthers’ court to prove their serious accusation or risk facing action for making a baseless claim.

Ashwin Was Previously Fined For Outburst In TNPL

Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined 30% of his match fee for misconduct during a TNPL match between Dindigul Dragons (his team) and iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans. The incident occurred when Ashwin was given out LBW, a decision he strongly disagreed with. 

Believing the ball had pitched outside the leg stump, Ashwin refused to leave immediately, engaged in a verbal exchange with the umpire, and displayed visible frustration as he walked off. In a moment of anger, he smashed his pad with his bat. Ashwin’s behaviour didn’t go unnoticed. 

The match referee held a hearing after the game and found the senior player guilty of violating the TNPL code of conduct.