R Ashwin Accused of Ball Tampering in TNPL, Organisers Respond to Allegations

Veteran Indian spinner R Ashwin has been hit with serious ball tampering allegations during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The Madurai Panthers franchise has officially filed a complaint, claiming that Ashwin’s team, Dindigul Dragons, used chemically treated towels to alter the condition of the ball during their June 14 match.

The Panthers alleged that the altered ball made a metallic sound upon contact, raising suspicions of illegal modifications. However, TNPL organisers have dismissed the claims, citing a lack of “verifiable evidence.”

In a statement, TNPL commissioner K Shankar Kannan clarified:
“The towels in question were issued by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and made available to both teams equally. The Playing Control Team, including umpires and the match referee, had full oversight throughout the game. No concerns were raised during the match, and no credible evidence has been submitted so far. The accusations seem speculative and made after the fact.”

The organisers have asked the Madurai Panthers to present solid evidence—video, photographic, or testimonial—by 3 PM on June 17 if they wish to pursue an Independent Commission of Enquiry.

Earlier, Panthers COO S Mahesh had penned a formal letter outlining the alleged misconduct.
“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 seemed chemically treated,” he claimed.

According to TNCA guidelines, teams are allowed to use towels to dry the ball during matches affected by wet outfields—but only under the direct supervision of on-field umpires.

Ashwin, who has represented India in over 100 Test matches, has not commented on the issue yet.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.