Tag: Usman tariq

COLOMBO: Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq has thrown his support behind senior stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia, scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday.

The reassurance comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing defeat to India, a result that drew heavy criticism towards the team’s senior players.

Babar managed just five runs in the high-pressure clash, while Shaheen conceded 31 runs in his two overs, leaving fans and analysts questioning their form.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Usman Tariq highlighted the immense contributions of the experienced duo and urged patience, stressing that ups and downs are part of the sport.

He expressed confidence that the team would bounce back strongly in the upcoming fixture.

“Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us. Winning and losing are part of the game. Going forward, you will see us play well,” Tariq said.

The spinner also shed light on the team’s internal review process following setbacks, noting that the focus remains on identifying mistakes and ensuring they are not repeated.

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According to him, learning from defeat is essential for consistent performance at the highest level.

“After every match, discussions revolve around what went wrong. If one match doesn’t go well, that’s part of the game,” he added.

Tariq emphasised that the squad has actively worked on correcting errors and improving execution, insisting that unresolved mistakes, not defeats, create long-term problems.

He also addressed the mental side of the game, pointing out the importance of handling pressure in crucial matches.

“Feeling pressure is normal. Controlling it is part of the job, and we have worked on that. Right now, I don’t feel the team is under pressure,” he concluded.

Pakistan currently sit third in Group A with two wins and one defeat, holding a net run rate of -0.403.

A victory against Namibia would take them to the Super Eight stage with six points and a second-place finish in their group, only behind India.

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COLOMBO: India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was seen bowling like Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq during the team’s net session ahead of tomorrow’s high-stakes encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The video was shared on the ICC social handles with Surya bowling to fellow batters in the nets.

“Suryakumar Yadav reiterates India’s focus on being ready to potentially come up against Usman Tariq,” the caption of the post read.

Earlier, the Indian captain also pondered on the question regarding facing Usman Tariq and his unique bowling action.

“Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it,” he replied to the reporter.

“You can’t leave it. He’s a different character, but we can’t surrender to him. We have practiced and are all very excited,” he added.

Tariq, inspired by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, has caught eyebrows with his unique action.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

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COLOMBO: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has expressed readiness to face mystery off-spinner Usman Tariq ahead of the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Ahead of the clash, Suryakumar answered a question regarding mystery bowler Usman Tariq, who has made headlines due to his unorthodox action.

“Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it,” he replied to the reporter.

“You can’t leave it. He’s a different character, but we can’t surrender to him. We have practiced and are all very excited,” he added while stating that they have no jetlag while travelling from India to Sri Lanka.

Tariq, inspired by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, has caught eyebrows with his unique action.

The tall off-spinner has made batters clueless with his unique bowling style.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: Suryakumar deflects handshake question before Pakistan clash

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has praised Pakistan mystery bowler Usman Tariq, saying that the off-spinner could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The high-octane clash between India and Pakistan will be played on Sunday, February 15, at the RPS Stadium, Colombo.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Harbhajan backed India to win but admitted that Tariq could pose a serious threat to the Indian batters.

“India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner, he is a good spinner, we have to play him safe…,” he said.

“The Indian team is capable; it’s a very good team. We hope they play the way they have always played, play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory,” Harbhajan remarked.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

The spinner has also caught eyebrows due to his unorthodox bowling action, which has troubled most of the batters he has bowled to.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: USA rout Netherlands to secure first win of T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq left his cricket ambitions back home to start a salesman’s job in Dubai, before a biopic about India’s great Mahendra Singh Dhoni changed his life.

The unusual bowling action of the double-jointed spinner has created plenty of chatter in his first T20 World Cup, and now he goes into Sunday’s revived clash against India as one of Pakistan’s main weapons.

His inspiration was born in India, and Tariq admits that if he had not watched the 2016 Bollywood movie “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story,” he might not be playing cricket today.

Based on the life of India’s World Cup-winning captain, the movie told a tale of grit, rejection, and eventual glory — and made Tariq believe it was never too late to chase his ambition.

Tariq, now 30, left Dubai and roamed around the world to mature as a mystery spinner.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha insisted Tariq will be a special weapon when his side face their arch-rivals, after being cleared to play after an Islamabad government U-turn after initially ordering a boycott of the India match.

“Tariq is our X-factor and a key weapon,” Agha said ahead of the tournament after Pakistan had used him sparingly to protect his unique action.

Since making his international debut just three months ago, Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20 internationals, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi.

He grabbed a match-defining 3-27 against USA in Colombo on his World Cup debut this week.

The 28-year-old’s bizarre bowling action was reported as illegal twice in the last two years, but was cleared by the International Cricket Council laboratory.

His action carries an element of mystery as he pauses exaggeratedly before releasing the ball in a slingshot manner.

England’s Tom Banton questioned Tariq’s action in the United Arab Emirates T20 League last year.

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green mimicked Tariq’s round-arm during the T20 series before the World Cup in Lahore, raising renewed doubts.

But India player Ravichandran Ashwin, himself a great spinner, and umpire Anil Chaudhary declared Tariq’s bowling action to be within the rules.

“I believe that it is entirely legal,” Ashwin wrote on X, by explaining several factors of the action.

Tariq is unperturbed by the doubters.

“I have two corners of my bowling arm elbow, which is rare,” Tariq told AFP.

“I have been cleared twice so I am confident that it’s legal.

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“I have struggled this far and am not worried about such baseless questions.”

After Tariq left Dubai a friend introduced him to Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman who took him to a local coach in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, his hometown.

“Zaman brought this young and determined boy to me,” Wajahatullah Wasti, a former Pakistan player, told AFP.

“I watched him bowl with amazement as he looked very unique and I advised him to bowl a little quicker. Today he has made a name for himself.”

Tariq talked about the Dhoni biopic that changed everything.

“I had left behind thinking of making a name in cricket, but one day I watched this film and it convinced me that I can also do the same,” Tariq told AFP.

Tariq progressed by leaps and bounds.

He finished with 20 wickets in the Caribbean Premier League last year, forcing his way into the Pakistan team.

“My coach informed me about my selection in the Pakistan team while I was busy with my wedding last year and initially I thought it was a prank,” said Tariq.

“But it was true so I think my wife brought luck for me.”

From a salesman in Dubai to Pakistan’s potential trump card against India, Tariq’s script is still being written.

READ: Mohammad Amir labels Abhishek Sharma “just a slogger”

Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has come out in support of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq following a controversial incident during the second T20I against Australia.

During the game, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture widely interpreted as questioning Tariq’s bowling action.

The incident occurred after Green, who had been looking in control at the crease, was dismissed for 35 runs off Tariq’s delivery, caught by Shadab Khan.

Broadcast cameras captured Green making a gesture that many fans and analysts took as implying an illegal action, or “chucking.”

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This is not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. The spinner was reported during PSL 9 and 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

While Green has not publicly addressed the gesture, Khawaja, who played alongside him for Australia, expressed his support for Tariq on Instagram, sharing the views of cricket journalist Paul Dennett.

“There aren’t many things worse than being called a ‘chucker’ in cricket,” Usman Khawaja wrote.

“The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions.”

Usman Tariq has previously explained that the natural bend in his elbows can create confusion for spectators.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

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LAHORE: A fresh debate has erupted around the bowling action of Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq after Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture widely interpreted as an accusation of “chucking” during the second T20I in Lahore.

The moment occurred right after Green’s dismissal in Tariq’s very first over of the match.

Green, who looked in control during his stay at the crease, was dismissed for 35 when Shadab Khan completed a catch off Tariq’s delivery, giving Pakistan a crucial breakthrough at a key stage of the innings.

However, what followed quickly became the bigger talking point.

As Green walked back to the pavilion, broadcast cameras caught him making a gesture that many fans and social media users interpreted as suggesting an illegal bowling action, commonly referred to as “throwing” or “chucking.”

While the incident has drawn widespread attention, it is not the first time Tariq’s action has come under scrutiny.

The spinner has previously faced questions over his bowling mechanics and was reported for a suspected action during PSL 9 and PSL 10.

On both occasions, Usman Tariq underwent official testing at the PCB-accredited biomechanics lab and was subsequently cleared, with his action declared legal.

In earlier remarks while addressing the controversy, Tariq had maintained that his bowling falls within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow extension limit, explaining that the structure of his elbow naturally prevents him from fully straightening his arm, a factor which, he said, can sometimes lead to misconceptions about his release.

Tariq also stressed that whenever a spinner is accused of throwing, the most appropriate response is to undergo lab testing and correct the action if required.

He revealed he has already completed two official tests in Pakistan, both of which cleared him without the need for any changes.

“I was confident from the beginning that I don’t throw the ball,” Tariq had said, while urging critics to better understand the sport before making allegations.

READ: Usman Tariq cleared of suspect bowling action

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has lavished high praise on off-spinner Usman Tariq, calling him Pakistan’s surprise package for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March in Sri Lanka and India.

Wasim, who was part of the commentary panel in the recently concluded International League T20 (ILT20), praised Usman’s bowling skills.

“He is a wonderful bowler, and I hope Pakistan use him in the T20 World Cup because nobody has played against him,” Akram said.

He also recalled how Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis burst onto the scene in 2008 when batters had no idea what he was doing.

“If you remember, Sri Lanka’s Ajanta Mendis came in 2008,  nobody had a clue what he was doing.”

“If the selectors are monitoring him, he could be very useful on Sri Lankan wickets,” he said.

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For the unversed, Usman Tariq, who has so far played two T20Is for Pakistan, has made headlines for his unconventional bowling action.

He was roped in as a replacement for Afghanistan’s Noor Ahme,d and he made an immediate impact with the ball during the business end of the tournament.

Usman was instrumental in Desert Vipers’ qualification for the final, scalping 3 wickets in the Qualifier.

His spell also included the notable wicket of Tom Banton, who pointed out Tariq’s action after getting dismissed.

Nevertheless, Usman Tariq backed his Qualifier performance in the final with a clinical four-over spell, snaring two wickets while giving away only 20.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller

DUBAI: Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq has hit back at critics over allegations of chucking, urging them to gain knowledge before commenting or sharing opinions about his action.

The tall right-arm spinner came in as a replacement for Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) and made an immediate impact with the ball during the qualifier against MI Emirates.

His three-wicket haul, which also included the scalp of Tom Banton, helped Vipers cruise to the ILT20 final.

After he got Banton, the right-handed batter pointed to the umpire about his action, which sparked debate over Tariq’s action.

Speaking during an interview, Tariq shed light on his unorthodox action, noting that he had cleared his action twice before.

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“As you can see from history, whenever spinners faced allegations of chucking, they went to the lab, tried to modify their action, and worked on the correct degree of flexion. That sometimes confuses spectators,” he said.

“I have undergone two official tests in Pakistan, and my action was cleared. Unlike others, I didn’t have to change anything. I was confident because I know I am not throwing,” he continued.

The 28-year-old has faced chucking accusations in the past, which required him to undergo a bowling action test.

He urged people to first gain knowledge before commenting or sharing opinions without a proper understanding of the game.

“If you don’t understand cricket and still comment or share opinions, illiteracy can kill knowledge. It’s better to understand the game first,” he said.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq has credited former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson for standing by him through the most challenging phase of his cricketing career.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Usman shed light on his difficult time and stated that former Australian all-rounder Shan Watson gave him confidence.

“When the action call-up happened, it was the toughest phase of my career. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but my family stood firmly behind me — even offering to cover the expenses if I had to go to Dubai for the assessment,” he said.

“Shane Watson kept reassuring me, saying he had seen many players go through similar cases and that I didn’t need to panic. It was tough, but Alhamdulillah, everything is clear now,” Tariq revealed.

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At the start of this year, Watson stepped down as the head coach of Quetta Gladiators. He was named as the coach of the franchise in 2024.

The 44-year-old remained instrumental to the team’s success, both as a player and coach, as he propelled the Gladiators into the playoffs for the first time in 2024 after four previous failed attempts.

For the unversed, Usman has been reported multiple times for his suspect bowling action. The last time his action was reported in the PSL 10 was during the Quetta Gladiators match against Lahore Qalandars.

The spinner, originally hailing from Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown.

As per PSL regulations, he continued bowling in future matches; however, if he were reported again, he would have to undergo clearance from an International Cricket Council (ICC) accredited lab before bowling again.

Notably, this was the second time that the spinner was reported during a PSL game. Earlier, he was reported in PSL 9 during his side’s clash against Karachi Kings.

A day earlier, Usman starred in Pakistan’s victory over Zimbabwe by a hefty margin of 69 runs.

The right-arm off-spinner, who was playing only in his second T20I, picked up a four-wicket haul, including a hat-trick. With this, he became the fourth Pakistani player to take a hat-trick in the limited-overs format.

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