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Ashwin Accused Of Ball-Tampering With Chemically Treated Towels! TNPL Want Proof
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Ravichandran Ashwin has been accused of ball tampering by Madurai Panthers during a TNPL match against Dindigul Dragons. TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan has requested evidence.
Ravichandran Ahwin has been accused of ball tampering during the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Madurai Panthers have made an official complaint against Dindigul Dragons' Ashwin, accusing that the former India spinner tampered with the ball during their match on June 14.
TNPL organisers have requested evidence to support the claims.
Madurai Panthers accused Dindigul Dragons of using chemically treated towels that made the ball heavier and produced a metallic sound when struck by the bat.
In response to these serious allegations, TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan stated that although the complaint was acknowledged, Madurai must provide proof.
'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," Prasanna was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Madurai franchise COO S Mahesh detailed the complaint in a letter, noting that despite warnings, Dindigul Dragons continued to tamper with the ball.
'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," Mahesh wrote in his letter.
The match in question, delayed briefly due to rain, saw Madurai post a total of 150/8 in 20 overs, which Dindigul chased down in 12.3 overs with nine wickets in hand. Although Ashwin did not take any wickets, he scored 49 runs as an opener.
Given the wet conditions during the monsoon season, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association provides towels to franchises to dry the ball, which should be done in front of the umpires.
'They have to dry the ball only using the towels provided by TNPL. And every time the ball is hit for a six or immediately after a dismissal and over-break, umpires regularly check the ball and they didn't find any issue with the ball during the said match," Kannan told TIE.
Kannan has requested the Madurai franchise to supply any material evidence to support their allegations.
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