Ravichandran Ashwin caught in TNPL ball-tampering scandal, strict action expected soon

A shocking controversy has erupted in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 (TNPL 2025) involving the former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin. After an intense game against Dindigul Dragons on June 14, the Madurai Panthers formally accused Ravichandran Ashwin and his team of ball tampering, leaving the TNPL 2025 fans stunned.

The Madurai Panthers claimed that Dindigul Dragons players allegedly used towels treated with chemical substances to alter the condition of the ball during their group match.

Madurai Panthers accuses Ravichandran Ashwin-led Dindigul Dragons of Ball Tampering in TNPL 2025

The Madurai team claimed that Dindigul Dragons used towels with chemicals on them, which made the ball heavier and caused it to make a strange metallic sound when it hit the bat.

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In the complaint to TNPL, Madurai Panthers CEO D Pooja alleged that despite repeated warnings, the Dindigul players continued to use towels that seemed to be treated with chemicals to alter the ball’s condition during their TNPL 2025 clash.

in the letter to TNPL: “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.”

TNPL CEO demands proof as ball tampering row explodes

Meanwhile, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan has taken the swift action on the ball tampering claims and he has now demanded solid proof from the Madurai franchise to support their allegations.

He said that if there's any truth, an independent committee will be formed, but Madurai could face action for false claims if they don’t provide evidence to prove their claims against Dindigul.

Prasanna Kannan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express, “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.”

Well, rain has played spoilsport in the ongoing TNPL 2025, with several matches facing delays due to the monsoon. Even the clash between Madurai Panthers and Dindigul Dragons was also delayed in Salem due to a brief shower.

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TNPL CEO clears air on towel controversy

Madurai managed to post 150/8 in their 20 overs, but Dindigul chased it down effortlessly in just 12.3 overs, winning the game by nine wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin went wicketless but played a match-winning knock of 49 runs against the Panthers.

Given such situation, the TNPL CEO clarified that due to wet outfield conditions, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) gives towels to all teams. Players are allowed to use these towels to dry the ball, but only in front of the umpires.

Kannan signed off by saying, “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 overbreak, umpires regularly check the ball, and they didn’t find any issue with the ball during the said match.”

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