A Pakistani fan confronted Australian content creator Jake Jeakings during the 2026 T20 World Cup after Jeakings was filmed mocking Usman Tariq, the Pakistani cricketer, for his unique bowling action. The incident occurred after Pakistan’s match against the USA, when a video surfaced showing Jeakings and others mocking Tariq’s style of bowling, which involves a distinctive pause at the point of delivery.
The confrontation, initially cordial, escalated when the Pakistani fan, Saud Zohaib Muhammad, approached Jeakings with a gift – a piece of sandpaper. The sandpaper was a clear reference to the infamous ball-tampering scandal involving Australia’s cricket team in 2018. Muhammad’s decision to bring the sandpaper to the encounter was symbolic, meant to show Jeakings a “mirror” of his actions, highlighting the disrespect toward a cricketer who had been repeatedly cleared of doubts over his bowling technique.
In the video, Muhammad can be heard explaining his motivations. “The way Jake always mocks Pakistani players, especially Usman Tariq, was wrong. He hasn’t researched Tariq’s background properly. If you’re going to make videos about a cricketer, at least learn about him first,” Muhammad said, standing firm in his confrontation. His use of sandpaper as a gesture was designed to make a point and calm Jeakings down, as he emphasized that mocking someone without proof or understanding was unacceptable.
The response from Jeakings was quick and angry, with the Australian content creator visibly agitated, pushing Muhammad and demanding that he stop approaching him in that manner. The situation almost escalated into a physical altercation, but Muhammad remained steadfast. “I didn’t care about his anger,” Muhammad explained later. “My only goal was to show him the mirror, and I did that.”
Despite the heated moment, Muhammad expressed a willingness to resolve things peacefully. “He seems like a good guy. I’ll meet him again and explain everything calmly,” he added. This conciliatory tone post-confrontation showed a willingness to move forward and avoid future conflict, despite the public tension.
Tariq’s bowling action has been a point of discussion for some time. With his run-up followed by a brief pause before delivering side-arm, slinging off-breaks, the action has been subject to scrutiny. However, cricket experts, including former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, have defended Tariq, confirming that his action is completely legal despite the unconventional pause. Tariq has been reported twice in the past, during the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and again in the following edition, but on both occasions, he was cleared by the relevant authorities.
This incident brings to light the growing tension between social media influencers and cricket fans who feel that online personalities, often with large followings, use their platforms to mock players without fully understanding or respecting the complexities of the game. For many fans, the confrontation highlights the importance of respecting players’ unique techniques and contributions, rather than reducing them to jokes for entertainment purposes.
Muhammad’s actions were fueled by his passion for his national team and his frustration with the widespread mockery faced by cricketers like Usman Tariq, who, despite being a legal bowler, continues to be ridiculed by some. In a sport like cricket, where every player’s style is unique, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate differences rather than mock them.
This viral incident raises several questions about the role of online personalities in sports discussions and the impact they can have on players’ reputations. With the growing influence of social media in sports, where everything is amplified and scrutinized, it is essential to foster a culture of respect and understanding for the athletes who dedicate their lives to the game.
While the confrontation may have started as an act of defiance, it also serves as a reminder to audiences that athletes are human, and their integrity should not be questioned without merit. As for Jake Jeakings, the viral incident may serve as a learning experience, one that encourages him to approach his commentary with more respect for the players he critiques.
