Controversial 19th Over Sparks Fixing Allegations in TNPL Match

Dramatic Turn in TNPL Match

In a thrilling encounter during the 9th match of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025, a peculiar and dramatic 19th over has left fans and viewers questioning the integrity of the game. The match took place on June 13 at the SCF Cricket Ground in Salem, featuring IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans (ITT) against Salem Spartans (SLST).

The Salem Spartans opted to field first, allowing the Tiruppur Tamizhans to score 177 runs while losing 8 wickets over 20 overs. Tushar Raheja, the wicketkeeper-batter for ITT, was the standout performer, smashing 74 runs off just 28 deliveries, which included eight fours and five sixes.

As the Salem Spartans began their chase, they faced mounting pressure, losing wickets consistently. With only 31 runs needed from the last 12 balls, the task seemed daunting, but the game took a dramatic turn in the 19th over.

A Troubling Over

Esakkimuthu A, the bowler for ITT, delivered an exceptionally poor over, which included four consecutive no balls and a total of 25 runs conceded. The over unfolded as follows:

• 18.1 - Esakkimuthu A to Boopathi Kumar, 1 run


• 18.2 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, 2 runs


• 18.3 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, leg byes, FOUR


• 18.4 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, FOUR


• 18.5 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, SIX


• 18.6 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, no ball, 1 run


• 18.6 - Esakkimuthu A to Boopathi Kumar, no ball, 2 runs


• 18.6 - Esakkimuthu A to Boopathi Kumar, no ball, 1 run


• 18.6 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, no ball


• 18.6 - Esakkimuthu A to Harish Kumar, no run

This over, marked by four no balls, provided the Salem Spartans with a golden opportunity to regain momentum. They needed just 6 runs from the final over, which they successfully chased down, winning the match by 4 wickets.

Suspicion Arises

While mistakes can happen in cricket, many fans expressed their suspicions regarding this particular over. Social media was abuzz with speculation about potential match-fixing, as users questioned how a bowler could deliver so many no balls at such a crucial moment.

Fixing at it's peak @TNPremierLeague.
Esakkimuthu is a fixer. #BCCI #TNPL2025 #ITTvSS #fixer #Cricket #sports pic.twitter.com/4v6Ao4QXws

— SANJAY LAMA (@sanjaylama64564) June 13, 2025

Tiruppur Tamizhans v Salem Spartans
@TNPremierLeague cricket ko mazak bana diya open fixing full fixing match back to back four no ball ESAKKIMUTHU A fixer

— Bikash Paul (@bp4663222) June 13, 2025

TOP level Fixing in #TNPL Bowler Name - esakkimuthu 4 No Ball Continue Public Eye Not Closed Bro Yeh Public Hai Sab Janti Hai ! Strict Action Againt's TNPL @JayShah @BCCI

#Cricket #Fixing

— Abhijeet Sah (@abhijeetsah21_) June 13, 2025

Calls for Investigation

As of now, there has been no official statement from either team or the league organizers regarding this incident. However, the unusual nature of the over has certainly raised eyebrows among fans, prompting discussions about the need for a thorough investigation.