Madurai Panthers drop bombshell on Ravichandran Ashwin ball-tampering drama, take shocking U-Turn

The Siechem Madurai Panthers have withdrawn their ball-tampering complaint against Ravichandran Ashwin's side, Dindigul Dragons, in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025. Notably, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association confirmed that the franchise opted to withdraw the ball-tampering complaint.

The controversy began after the Siechem Madurai Panthers alleged that the Ravichandran Ashwin's Dindigul Dragons used towels "treated with chemicals" to tamper with the ball during their Tamil Nadu Premier League match on June 14 at the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground.

Following Dindigul’s dominant nine-wicket victory, the Panthers urged league officials to test the towels used by the Dragons to determine if any illegal substances had been applied. They also called for strict disciplinary action against the players and the captain if misconduct was proven.

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Siechem Madurai Panthers Withdraw Ball-Tampering Complaint Against Ravichandran Ashwin's Dindigul Dragons

The Madurai franchise has withdrawn its complaint from the TNPL after being asked to follow procedural steps for initiating a formal enquiry. The decision was made in the larger interest of the sport and the smooth conduct of the tournament.

“Following due consideration, the management and coaching staff of SMP have decided to withdraw the complaint in the larger interest of the sport and the smooth conduct of the tournament,” said Prasanna Kannan, the TNPL CEO.

“They have further clarified that the intention behind the complaint was not to bring disrepute to Mr. R. Ashwin, captain of the Dindigul Dragons, the Dindigul Dragons team, the match officials, the TNPL, or the TNCA,” he added.

No Further Action Shall Be Pursued, Confirms TNPL CEO After Panthers Withdraw Complaint

Kannan said that no further action would be taken on the controversy. He added that an internal committee of the Tamil Nadu Premier League had reviewed the complaint but found no specific evidence. The SMP was requested to submit concrete evidence for a commission to examine the matter.

“In light of this withdrawal, the matter is deemed closed and no further action shall be pursued,” he said.

“In accordance with the Operational Rules of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, TNCA reviewed the matter and communicated the procedural steps required for initiating a formal enquiry," Kannan said.

“The SMP was accordingly requested to submit specific evidence that would enable the constitution of a commission to examine the matter and determine any further course of action,” he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin Delivers with Bat and Ball for Dindigul

The Dindigul Dragons defeated the Siechem Madurai Panthers by nine wickets in the 11th match of the TNPL 2025. After batting first, the Panthers managed a total of 150 for 8 in their 20 overs.

The Dragons, in response, chased down the target in just 12.3 overs. Shivam Singh played a blistering knock of 86 off only 41 deliveries. Ravichandran Ashwin contributed 49 runs from 29 balls.

Ravichandran Ashwin has taken three wickets in four matches, with his best bowling figures of 2 for 33 coming in the opener against Lyca Kovai Kings. He went wicketless in the next two games but claimed one wicket against Chepauk Super Gillies.

The all-rounder has also been in excellent batting form. He has amassed 149 runs in four matches at an average of 37.25 and a strike rate of 152.04, with a best score of 67 against Chepauk Super Gillies.

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