Retired Indian cricketer and Dindigul Dragons off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin-led team have shockingly been accused of ball-tampering by Siechem Madurai Panthers after their Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 game. While the TNPL CEO acknowledged their complaint, he warned that the Panthers must provide proof of their allegations.
In their complaint to TNPL, the Madurai-based franchise has alleged the Dragons of using towels treated with chemicals, prompting the balls to go heavier than usual and producing a metallic sound off the bat. According to rules, the towels provided due to wet conditions can only be used to dry the balls.
The Madurai Panthers' CEO D Pooja wrote, as quoted by The Indian Express:
"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."
Meanwhile, TNPL's CEO Prasanna Krishnan has warned that the Panthers will face sanctions if they fail to produce evidence of their allegations.
"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."
Dindigul Dragons chase 151 with ease
While the Madurai Panthers went on to amass 150 in 20 overs, the Dragons needed only 12.3 overs to chase down the target of 151. Skipper Ashwin led the way with a 29-ball 49 to stitch an opening partnership of 124 with Shivam Singh only in 10.4 overs.
Nevertheless, Shivam Singh belted eight fours and six sixes in his 41-ball 86 as Dragons won by nine wickets.
