Follow UsControversy surrounds Ravichandran Ashwin, as the off-spinner’s franchise, Dindigul Dragons, were accused of ‘ball tampering’ in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) clash against Madurai Panthers. After their match on June 14 (Saturday), the Panthers wrote a letter to the TNPL authorities regarding the incident.
According to the Indian Express, the Panthers claimed that the Dragons had used ‘chemically treated towels’ to alter the conditions of the ball and favour their bowling unit.
“The ball produced a metallic sound when it came into contact with the bat,” the letter read, suggesting the alleged chemical treatment led to significant deviation from normal ball behaviour,” Madurai Panthers’ CEO, D Pooja, wrote in the letter to TNPL.
While no action was taken, TNPL’s CEO Prasanna Kannan revealed that they have asked Madurai to submit ‘concrete proof’ regarding their claim.
“We have asked the Madurai Panthers to submit concrete proof,” Kannan said. “If any evidence is presented, we will form an independent committee to investigate. However, without sufficient proof, such serious accusations against a player and a franchise are inappropriate, and Madurai could face sanctions.”
As it stands, however, there was no action taken against Ashwin or his franchise, as Kannan revealed that the match referees and umpires had checked the ball constantly during the clash.
“In the said match, umpires checked the ball after sixes, dismissals, and during over breaks, and found no irregularities,” he added.