Indian team veteran bowler Ravichandran Ashwin is caught in trouble these days. R Ashwin has been accused of ball tampering during the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). This serious allegations against R Ashwin have been made by Madurai Panthers by Dindigul Dragons. The team has filed an official complaint against Ashwin, alleging that the former Indian spinner tampered with the ball during his match on 14 June.
TNPL organizers have demanded evidence in support of claims. Madurai Panthers accused the Dindigul Dragons of using chemical treatment towels, causing the ball to become heavy and a metal -like sound was caused by hitting the bat. In response to these serious allegations, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan said that although the complaint has been accepted, Madurai will have to provide evidence.
He said, “He has filed a complaint, which we have accepted. Although they have to file any complaint within 24 hours of the game, we have accepted it and asked them to present evidence of their allegations. If we find any truth in his allegations, we will set up an independent committee. It is wrong to make such allegations against a player and another franchise without enough evidence. Prasanna told the Indian Express, “If they do not give any evidence, Madurai will have to face proper sanctions.”
Madurai franchise’s COO S Mahesh gave details of the complaint in a letter, saying that despite the warning, Dindigul Dragons continued to tamper with the ball. During our recent match against Dindigul Dragons, a serious case of ball tampering came to light. Mahesh wrote in his letter, “Despite repeated warnings, Dindigul’s team tampered with the ball and used a towel that seemed to be treated with chemicals.”
In this match delayed for some time due to rain, Madurai scored 150/8 in 20 overs, which Dindigul took nine wickets in 12.3 overs. Although Ashwin did not take any wicket, he scored 49 runs as an opener. Given the wet conditions during the monsoon season, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association provides towels to the franchisees to dry the ball, which should be done in front of the umpires.
Kannan told TIE, “They have to dry the ball only using the towel provided by TNPL. And whenever the ball is six or out of the ball and immediately after the over-brake, the umpires regularly examine the ball and they did not find any problem in the ball during the said match.” Kannan has requested the Madurai franchise to provide any concrete evidence in support of his allegations.
