Ravichandran Ashwin and his team, Dindigul Dragons, have been given a clean chit in the ball-tampering controversy that arose during the 2025 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The allegations came after their dominant win over Siechem Madurai Panthers in match number 11 of the tournament, held on June 14 in Salem.
The Panthers had batted first and posted 150/8, but Dindigul chased it down with ease in just 12.3 overs. Shivam Singh remained unbeaten with a stellar 86 off 41 deliveries, while Ashwin contributed a crucial 49 off 29 balls. Following the match, Madurai Panthers accused Dindigul of manipulating the ball using chemically treated towels.
No Evidence Found, TNPL Dismisses Accusations
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the complaint originated from Madurai Panthers’ head coach Shijit Chandran, who forwarded it to the franchise CEO Pooja Damodaran. The matter was then escalated to TNPL authorities. However, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan dismissed the allegations after a thorough review, stating that no evidence was found to support the claim.
The Panthers’ letter reportedly alleged that chemical substances were used to affect the condition of the ball, but investigations found no substantial proof. Notably, if the Panthers fail to substantiate their charges, they could face disciplinary action under the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) code of conduct and operational regulations, as per the same report.
Ashwin’s Performance in TNPL 2025
Despite the off-field controversy, Ashwin has had a productive season so far in TNPL 2025. With the ball, he has picked up three wickets across four matches at an average of 39 and an economy rate of 8.35. His best bowling figures came in the opening match, where he took 2/33 against Lyca Kovai Kings in Coimbatore.
While he went wicketless in the next two games, he returned with 1/29 against Chepauk Super Gillies on June 16. With the bat, the 38-year-old has made a bigger impact, amassing 149 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 137.25. His highest score of 67 also came against Chepauk Super Gillies. Overall, Ashwin’s all-round abilities continue to shine in the TNPL despite the cloud of controversy that has now officially cleared.
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