The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association announced on Wednesday that the Madurai Panthers have withdrawn their ball-tampering allegations against the R Ashwin-led Dindigul Dragons. The Panthers had accused the Dragons of tampering with the ball using towels “treated with chemicals” during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) match on June 14 in Salem. “After careful consideration, the management and coaching staff of SMP have decided to withdraw the complaint in the best interest of the sport and the smooth conduct of the tournament,” said Prasanna Kannan, the TNPL CEO. “They have further clarified that the complaint was not intended 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 stated that with the Panthers withdrawing their complaint, there would be no further action on the matter. “In light of this withdrawal, the matter is deemed closed and no further action shall be pursued,” he said. Kannan mentioned that 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 inquiry.” “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. (With inputs from PTI)