The world of cricket is abuzz with discussions surrounding Usman Tariq’s distinctive bowling action, which has divided opinions in the cricketing community. Tariq, the Pakistani off-spinner, has been making waves in the T20 World Cup 2026 for his side-arm delivery that involves a unique pause at the crease before the ball is released. While many have praised his innovative approach, there have been voices questioning its legality, with former cricketers from across the world weighing in on the issue.
One of the most vocal defenders of Tariq has been Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian cricketer known for his expertise in spin bowling. Ashwin, who has often been at the forefront of discussions about bowling techniques, took to his X handle to clarify his stance on Tariq’s action. Ashwin explained that, in his view, Tariq’s action was entirely legal and that the pause in his delivery was simply a part of his natural style. According to Ashwin, any judgment on the legality of a bowler’s action can only be made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after formal testing at their bowling action testing centers.
Ashwin’s defense of Tariq comes amidst criticism from several quarters, including Kevin Pietersen and Aakash Chopra, who have raised concerns about the pause in Tariq’s action. Pietersen had earlier labeled the pause as “illegal,” suggesting that it gave Tariq an unfair advantage over the batsmen. In contrast, Ashwin highlighted that the only way to truly evaluate the legality of a bowler’s action is through real-time competition testing. He pointed out that the ICC’s 15-degree rule, which governs elbow extension during a delivery, could not be accurately assessed by on-field umpires during a live match, thus making it difficult to determine whether Tariq’s pause was in violation of any regulations.
Ashwin further emphasized that Tariq’s action was not only legal but also entirely legitimate, stating that there is no harm in utilizing what is often described as a “grey area” in the laws of the game. The Indian spinner’s support for Tariq comes at a time when the bowler’s unique action has been widely discussed, especially after his stellar performances in the World Cup, where he has taken 11 wickets in just four T20Is at an impressive economy rate of less than six runs per over. Tariq’s success has brought attention to his unconventional technique, with many asking whether it is a case of exploiting the grey areas in the rules of the game.
Along with Ashwin, former South African coach Prasanna Agoram also offered his backing to Tariq. Agoram, who has worked with top spinners like Imran Tahir, argued that Tariq’s action was perfectly clean and would pass any official bowling action tests. Agoram pointed out that Tariq’s action had been cleared in the past, adding that even if he were tested again, his action would likely remain within the permissible limits.
While Ashwin and Agoram’s comments have been supportive of Tariq, Aakash Chopra has raised a pertinent question about the relationship between Tariq’s pause and his ability to generate pace. Chopra, a former Indian cricketer and commentator, acknowledged that the pause in Tariq’s action might not be illegal, but questioned whether it allowed the bowler to increase his pace without relying on the usual momentum generated by a run-up. Chopra’s concern is significant, as it could have implications for how bowlers use pauses or changes in their delivery action to gain an advantage over batsmen.
The controversy around Tariq’s action also led to comments from former International umpire Anil Chaudhary, who analyzed Tariq’s action from a technical standpoint. Chaudhary stated that while Tariq’s action was slightly side-on with a brief pause, it did not appear to involve any illegal bending or straightening of the elbow. According to Chaudhary, since Tariq delivered all of his balls in the same manner and his action remained consistent, there was nothing wrong with it. Chaudhary’s opinion is crucial, given his experience as an umpire and his deep understanding of the technical aspects of bowling.
As the debate continues, the ICC is likely to be under pressure to provide further clarity on the legality of Tariq’s action, especially if he continues to perform well on the international stage. Tariq’s success in the T20 World Cup is undeniable, and his unique style of bowling has captured the imagination of cricket fans. However, the controversy surrounding his action is unlikely to subside soon, with more players and analysts weighing in on the topic.
While some view Tariq’s pause as a creative innovation, others see it as a potential loophole in the rules. The ongoing debate serves as a reminder of how cricket’s laws are constantly evolving, with bowlers pushing the boundaries of technique to gain an edge over batsmen. For now, it seems that Tariq’s action will continue to be a topic of discussion in the cricketing world, with both supporters and critics offering their opinions on the matter. Only time will tell whether his unique delivery will stand the test of official scrutiny or whether further changes to the rules will be necessary.
