Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq Talks About Bowling Action Questions

Pakistan's cricket player Usman Tariq is being talked about because of how he bowls. Some people think his arm bends too much. But an Indian umpire said his bowling is fine. Tariq will play against India soon in the T20 World Cup.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Pakistan |

Pakistan's emerging spinner, Usman Tariq, has broken his silence regarding allegations of an illegal bowling action, often termed "chucking." As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, the scrutiny on Tariq's unconventional delivery style has intensified, particularly with an upcoming high-stakes match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Tariq's statements suggest a belief that the focus on his action may indicate underlying pressure on the opposing Indian team.

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq breaks silence on 'Chucker' allegations; fires 4 word warning to India ahead of T20 WC 2026 clash at Colombo - 1

Background and Controversy

Usman Tariq, a right-arm off-break bowler standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, has drawn attention for his unusual "pause-and-sling" bowling action, characterized by a noticeable bend in his arm. This has led to accusations of illegal bowling from some quarters, with the ICC's 15-degree elbow extension rule frequently cited in online discussions.

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq breaks silence on 'Chucker' allegations; fires 4 word warning to India ahead of T20 WC 2026 clash at Colombo - 2

  • Tariq's career, marked by a sensational hat-trick in his second international appearance and strong performances in leagues like the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has been overshadowed by this controversy.

  • He was notably included in Pakistan's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, with his inclusion in the match against the USA on February 10, 2026, following a period where he was not played in recent series.

  • The allegations of "chucking" have surfaced primarily from social media users and some former cricketers.

Usman Tariq's Defense and Perspective

Tariq has consistently maintained that his unique bowling action is a result of a natural anatomical condition and not a deliberate attempt to break rules.

Read More: Italy Beats Nepal in T20 World Cup Match

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq breaks silence on 'Chucker' allegations; fires 4 word warning to India ahead of T20 WC 2026 clash at Colombo - 3

  • Tariq stated that his bent arm is due to a "biological issue" or a "medical condition" he possesses, and that his side-arm style is a natural occurrence.

  • He has also expressed that the attention on his action indicates potential pressure on opponents. "I guess, there will be extra pressure on them. Because, the way they’re discussing these things, I think, if they’re just discussing it in that sense, meaning, they’re just objecting on that, it shows that, maybe, there will be extra pressure on them," he remarked, referring to discussions by Indian fans and former players.

  • He aims to treat the upcoming match against India as a "normal game" to manage the pressure of the rivalry.

Official and Expert Opinions

While public and online debate rages, official pronouncements and the opinions of experienced umpires and cricketers offer a different perspective.

Read More: Babar Azam's Father Speaks Out, Causes Debate Among Cricket Stars

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq breaks silence on 'Chucker' allegations; fires 4 word warning to India ahead of T20 WC 2026 clash at Colombo - 4

  • Anil Chaudhary, an Indian umpire, has reviewed Tariq's action and declared it "completely legal," according to reports. He assessed the action based on ICC guidelines and found it to be within the rules.

  • Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, has defended Tariq, calling him the team's "X factor" and stating there is "no problem" with his delivery style.

  • Indian spinner R Ashwin has also come to Tariq's defense, suggesting that only the ICC can definitively determine the legality of his action and that Tariq should not be penalized for using a "grey area" if his pause is a regular part of his bowling. He also drew a parallel, suggesting rules like the "switch-hit" should be addressed first.

  • However, some Indian commentators, like Aakash Chopra, have raised questions about the action's validity, with one former cricketer, Shreevats Goswami, suggesting it should not be continued.

The ICC's 15-Degree Rule and Testing

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) regulations regarding bowling actions are central to the debate.

Read More: India vs Pakistan Match in T20 World Cup 2026 Will Happen

  • The ICC's rule states that a bowler's elbow extension must not exceed 15 degrees between the arm reaching horizontal and the point of release.

  • Tariq was reported twice during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a suspect action but underwent testing and was cleared on both occasions.

  • It is understood that an official assessment of an action can only be definitively made at an ICC-accredited bowling action testing center.

Pakistan's Strategic Approach

Pakistan has been managing Tariq's involvement, with some suggesting this is to "protect" him from potential sanctions, especially ahead of key matches.

  • Tariq's inclusion in the match against the USA followed a period of absence from the team, fueling speculation about strategic management.

  • His performance against the USA, taking three wickets, further highlighted his potential impact in the tournament.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Usman Tariq's bowling action is a prominent subplot in the T20 World Cup 2026, particularly with the Pakistan-India clash on the horizon. While social media and some former players have voiced concerns, an Indian umpire and a prominent Indian cricketer have lent support to Tariq's claims of a natural action. Tariq himself believes the attention reflects pressure on the Indian team. The ultimate determination of his action's legality, if it were to be formally challenged, would rest with ICC testing protocols.

Sources Used

Read More: Usman Tariq: Cricket Player Inspired by Movie, Cleared by Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people talking about Usman Tariq's bowling?
Some people think his bowling action might be against the rules because his arm bends a lot. They call this 'chucking'.
Q: Is Usman Tariq's bowling action legal?
An Indian umpire named Anil Chaudhary said it is completely legal. Tariq also says he has a natural body condition that makes his arm bend.
Q: What does Usman Tariq think about the questions?
He thinks that if people are talking a lot about his bowling, it means the other team might feel more pressure when they play against him.
Q: Has this happened before?
Yes, he was reported for his action before in a different league but was tested and cleared both times.
Q: What is the rule about bowling actions?
The rule says a bowler's elbow can only bend up to 15 degrees. Tariq's action is being checked against this rule.