The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has been thrust into controversy following ball-tampering allegations leveled against the Dindigul Dragons and their captain R. Ashwin by the Seichem Madurai Panthers. The incident relates to their match on June 14 at the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, which the Dragons dominated with a nine-wicket victory.
The Madurai franchise accused the Dragons of tampering with the ball using towels that “seemed to have been treated with chemicals.” The Panthers have demanded a thorough investigation into the source of the towels used during the match and called for a chemical analysis to determine whether any foreign substances were involved.
The match in question saw Madurai set a target of 151, which the Dragons chased down with ease. Ashwin’s brisk 49 off 29 balls, paired with Shivam Singh’s unbeaten 86 off 41, ensured a dominant win for Dindigul, sparking suspicions from the Madurai camp.
Responding swiftly, the TNPL has termed the allegations “unsubstantiated,” urging Madurai to present concrete evidence to support their claims. In a strongly worded statement, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan clarified that, “No protest or concern regarding ball tampering was raised during the match by any official or team representative. The allegation appears to be post-facto, speculative in nature and based solely on internal team communications without supporting evidence.”
Kannan also emphasized that the towels provided are standard issue, accessible to both teams under equal conditions, and noted that umpires and match referees had maintained strict oversight of the match ball throughout the game.
The TNPL has now set a deadline—3 PM on June 17—for Madurai to submit any verifiable evidence, including video, photographs, or witness statements. “Should the franchise possess credible and verifiable evidence, they may submit a formal request for an Independent Commission of Enquiry,” the statement said.
However, the league has also warned of possible repercussions should the claims prove unfounded. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) cautioned that “baseless or defamatory allegations may lead to disciplinary action under the TNCA Code of Conduct and Operational Rules.”
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Madurai Panthers to see if they can substantiate their claims, or if this becomes a cautionary tale of premature accusations in professional cricket.
