R Ashwin and his team cleared off as ball-tampering allegations were withdrawn by Madurai Panthers: TNPL confirmed

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) on Wednesday said the Siechem Madurai Panthers have withdrawn the ball-tampering allegations that were levelled against R Ashwin-led Dindigul Dragons a few days ago.

The Panthers had accused Dragons of tampering with the ball by using towels “treated with chemicals” during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) match on June 14 at Salem.

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“Following due consideration, the management and coaching staff of SMP have decided to withdraw the complaint in the larger interest of the sport and the smooth conduct of the tournament,” said Prasanna Kannan, the TNPL CEO.

“They have further clarified that the intention behind the complaint was not to bring disrepute to Mr. R. Ashwin, captain of the Dindigul Dragons, the Dindigul Dragons team, the match officials, the TNPL, or the TNCA,” he added.

Kannan said since the Panthers have decided to withdraw their complaint there would not be any follow-up action on the matter.

“In light of this withdrawal, the matter is deemed closed and no further action shall be pursued,” he said.

Kannan said an internal committee of the TNCA thoroughly reviewed the complaint filed by the Panthers earlier this week, but found no specific evidence.

“In accordance with the Operational Rules of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, TNCA reviewed the matter and communicated the procedural steps required for initiating a formal enquiry,” he said.

“The SMP was accordingly requested to submit specific evidence that would enable the constitution of a commission to examine the matter and determine any further course of action,” he added.

For those unversed, on June 16, R Ashwin and his team Dindigul Dragons were accused of ball-tampering in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League. These allegations were from Seicham Madurai Panthers, who were asked to present evidence for the “post-facto and speculative” charges by the event’s organisers.

The Dindigul Dragons were accused by the Madurai Panthers for tampering the ball by using towels that were “treated with chemicals” during a match on June 14. However, it is understood that all these ‘chemically treated’ towels were provided by the state cricket association to wipe the ball in case it gets wet. The drying of the ball was also done in front of the umpires.