TNCA Clears R Ashwin's Dindigul Dragons Of Ball-Tampering Allegations

Former Indian cricketer and one of the finest spinners of the Indian team, Ravichandran Ashwin's Tamil Nadu Premier League team, Dindigul Dragons, on Tuesday found out about ball-tampering allegations leveled by Siechem Madurai Panthers. The TNCA has investigated the whole matter and cleared the Dragons of these allegations.

This controversy arises when the Panthers claim that the towels used by the Dragons during the June 14 clash at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground were treated with chemicals that are used for ball tampering.

In that match, Dindigul Dragons won the match with nine wickets, and then Panthers CEO Mahesh accused Ashwin's team of ball tampering and also demanded an investigation.

However, TNP CEO Prasnanna Kannan confirmed that no proof was found against the Dragons in the investigation. In a statement released by him, he said,

"Towels that have been questioned were issued by TNCA and were equally available to both teams. The game control team—consisting of the on-field umpires and match referee—kept a close watch on the ball throughout the match. No concerns were raised during the game, and no verifiable evidence was provided. The claims appear to be fictitious and made later."

In this case, the Panthers were asked to present any evidence till 2 pm on June 17, but no such request has been made till now.

According to the NCA, the towels used by the Dragons were used to dry the ball during wet outfield conditions due to dew and were under the supervision of the on-field umpires.

Talking about the match, Ashwin was wicket-less in that match where he gave away 27 runs in 4 overs, but everyone was impressed by his batting; he played a brilliant innings of 49 runs in 12.3 overs while chasing a target of 151.

The defending champions, the Dragons, have won 2 matches till now in 3 matches this season.