Former Indian spinner R Ashwin, who is captaining the Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025, has been accused of ball tampering. The Madurai Panthers have lodged an official complaint, alleging that the Dragons employed a chemically treated towel to load the ball during their game on June 14 at Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium.

The Panthers asserted that the ball rang out with a metallic sound upon hitting the bat, putting a question mark on tampering. They further stated that the Dragons continued using the towel despite repeated cautions. In TNPL, towels are permitted to be used by teams during drizzly weather but only provided by the organisers and in the presence of the umpires.

In an official complaint to the organisers as quoted by the Indian Express, Panthers CEO D Pooja wrote:

“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."

TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan confirmed that he had received the complaint but stated the Panthers must bring evidence. He further stated that umpires check the ball all the time during a match, particularly after a six, a wicket, or during breaks, and they didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

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TNPL CEO Prasanna Kannan said:

"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."

In the game, the Dindigul Dragons defeated the Madurai Panthers by nine wickets. Ashwin was instrumental in the victory, scoring 49 out of 29 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes. He also bowled four overs for 27 runs. His fellow player Shivam Singh was unbeaten on 86 out of 41 balls. Varun Chakravarthy too contributed heavily, conceding just 19 runs and one wicket in four overs.

Ashwin retired from global cricket in December 2024 but still plays for leagues such as and TNPL. He played for Chennai Super Kings during the 2025 season of IPL.