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

Usman Tariq is a cricket player for Pakistan. He left his job after watching a movie about MS Dhoni and decided to play cricket again. Some people have asked about how he bowls, but he has been checked and is allowed to play.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Pakistan |

A Cricketer's Unconventional Path to the Global Stage

The emergence of Usman Tariq as a notable figure in Pakistan's cricket scene is a narrative marked by personal struggle, a profound connection to cinematic inspiration, and the ever-present scrutiny that accompanies an unconventional playing style. Tariq's journey from a job in Dubai to representing Pakistan is not only a testament to his dedication but also a focal point for discussions around the legality and originality of his bowling action. His performances have positioned him as a potential "X-factor" for the national team, yet the debate surrounding his bowling technique continues to draw attention.

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From Sales to Sixes: Tariq's Path Re-ignited

Usman Tariq's foray into professional cricket took a significant turn after a period away from the sport. He had been working in Dubai, holding positions in an automobile factory and a restaurant. His path back to cricket was directly influenced by watching the MS Dhoni biopic, "MS Dhoni: The Untold Story." This film appears to have rekindled his passion, prompting him to leave his job in the UAE and return to Pakistan to pursue cricket with renewed vigor.

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  • Tariq joined a cricket academy in Nowshera to hone his skills.

  • His aspirations for a serious cricket career were clearly stated, even amidst personal hardships.

  • He aims to be recognized for his wicket-taking ability rather than controversies surrounding his bowling style.

Anatomy of a Bowling Action: The "Bent Elbow" Debate

A central aspect of Usman Tariq's rise is the unique nature of his bowling action. His delivery is characterized by a distinct pause before releasing the ball and a perceived "bent elbow." This has led to accusations of "chucking," a term used when a bowler's arm bends beyond the legal limit during delivery.

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  • Tariq's Explanation: He has stated that he possesses "double-joint elbows" and that his bent arm is a result of a biological, anatomical condition, asserting he was born with a unique elbow structure.

  • Official Scrutiny: Despite online debates and questions from former cricketers, Tariq has undergone ICC-approved biomechanical testing. These assessments have confirmed that his action falls within the legal limit of 15 degrees, clearing him to bowl.

  • Comparisons: His style, with its pause and side-arm flick, has drawn comparisons to Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Career Trajectory: From Local Leagues to International Representation

Tariq's progression in cricket has been marked by strong performances in various domestic and franchise leagues, which have accelerated his development and brought him to the attention of selectors.

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  • Early Career: He made his debut in First Class cricket for Eshaal Associates against Higher Education Commission in the President's Trophy Grade-I.

  • Franchise Cricket Success:

  • He played for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), taking seven wickets in two seasons.

  • In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, he played for Trinbago Knight Riders, securing 20 wickets in 10 matches and contributing to their title win.

  • He also featured in the ILT20 league.

  • International Debut: His performances led to his inclusion in Pakistan's T20I squad, notably against South Africa.

  • Performance Statistics:

  • In T20 internationals, he has taken 6 wickets at an average of 7.33.

  • In overall T20 matches, he has claimed 59 wickets, with a best of 4 for 17.

  • In First Class cricket, he has taken eight wickets in two matches, with best figures of 5/62.

  • In List A matches, he has taken eight wickets in three games.

The Dhoni Effect: A Cinematic Spark

The influence of the MS Dhoni biopic on Usman Tariq's career is a recurring theme across multiple reports. It served as a pivotal moment, reigniting his commitment to the sport after a period of working outside of cricket.

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  • The film is credited with inspiring his "comeback" to cricket.

  • He stated that watching the biopic caused a significant internal change, motivating him to "leave my job and come back to Pakistan to pursue cricket again."

Expert and Pundit Perspectives on Tariq's Action

While Tariq has been cleared by the ICC, his bowling action continues to be a topic of discussion among cricket analysts and former players.

  • Questions Raised:

  • Former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami has questioned his action, particularly the pause before delivery.

  • R Ashwin and Aakash Chopra have also weighed in on the controversy surrounding his bowling style.

  • Online Scrutiny: He has faced significant "online heat" and comments, including the phrase "'Bhatta hai'," referring to his unusual action.

  • Clarification: Despite the debates, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have officially cleared him after biomechanical assessments confirmed compliance with regulations.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Usman Tariq represents a compelling case study in modern cricket: an athlete whose journey is shaped by resilience, unexpected inspiration, and the technical complexities of his craft. The MS Dhoni biopic served as a catalyst, prompting a career change that has seen him rise through the ranks of Pakistani cricket. His unique bowling action, while a source of controversy and debate, has also been officially validated, allowing him to compete on the international stage.

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  • Tariq's performances in franchise leagues demonstrate his potential as a consistent wicket-taker in crucial middle overs.

  • His ability to perform under pressure, as seen in his World Cup debut spell, highlights his composure.

  • The ongoing discussions surrounding his action underscore the challenges faced by players with unconventional techniques, even after official clearance.

  • Moving forward, Tariq is positioned as a potential "X-factor" for Pakistan, with his performances likely to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, particularly in upcoming tournaments.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Usman Tariq?
Usman Tariq is a cricket player for Pakistan. He plays in T20 matches and other games.
Q: What inspired him to play cricket again?
He saw the movie about MS Dhoni and it made him want to play cricket with all his heart. He left his job to do this.
Q: Why do people talk about his bowling?
Some people thought his bowling action looked unusual. They wondered if it was allowed.
Q: Is his bowling action legal?
Yes, he was checked by experts. They said his bowling is within the rules and he can play.