R Ashwin has been accused of ball tampering while captaining the Dindigul Dragons in the 2025 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Here’s what we know about the allegations.
What are the accusations?
According to an Indian Express report, TNPL franchise Siechem Madurai Panthers have accused defending champions Dindigul Dragons of ball tampering during their match on Saturday (June 14) at the SCF Cricket Ground in Salem.
Madurai alleged that Ashwin’s Dindigul Dragons attempted to tamper with the ball using towels suspected to be treated with chemicals. They claimed that despite repeated warnings, Dindigul persisted with the act.
“A serious case of ball tampering occurred during our recent match against Dindigul Dragons. Despite repeated warnings, the Dindigul team blatantly tampered with the ball, using towels that appeared to have been treated with chemicals,” the report quoted a letter that Madurai CEO S Mahesh wrote to the TNPL.
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TNPL CEO responds
TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan has dismissed any foul play, urging Madurai Panthers to avoid jumping to conclusions and to provide concrete proof to support their allegations. He warned that if the franchise fails to submit evidence, they could face sanctions
“They have filed a complaint, which we have acknowledged. Though they have to lodge any complaints within 24 hours of the game, we have still accepted it and have asked them to furnish proof of their allegations. We will be forming an independent committee if we find there is any truth to their allegations. Without sufficient evidence, it is wrong to put forth such allegations against a player and another franchise. If they don’t provide any evidence, then Madurai will face due sanctions,” Prasanna was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
Kannan added that since the tournament is being conducted during the rainy season, players are legally permitted to carry towels to dry the ball in front of the umpires without facing sanctions.
"They have to dry the ball only using the towels provided by TNPL. And every time the ball is hit for a six or immediately after a dismissal and over-break, umpires regularly check the ball, and they didn’t find any issue with the ball during the said match," Kannan added.
Not the first time Ashwin embroiled in controversy this season
Earlier, against Tiruppur Tamizhans, Ashwin fumed at an on-field umpire over a contentious lbw decision. Having burned his team’s reviews in the first over by challenging two wides, he couldn’t refer the decision upstairs. He stormed off unhappily, striking his bat against his pads in frustration.
Ashwin faced sanctions for the outburst, losing 10 per cent of his match fee for showing dissent towards the umpires and 20 per cent for misuse of equipment.
After playing a pivotal role in Dindigul’s title-winning campaign last season with a brilliant all-round performance, Ashwin has had a mixed season so far, scoring 82 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 157.69 besides taking two wickets at an economy of 8.80. Following an economical spell of 0-27 against Madurai, he contributed a crucial 29-ball 49 to guide Dindigul to a successful chase of 151 in just 12.3 overs – securing their second win in three matches
