As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 anticipates a thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan, Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq's bowling action is a hot topic of conversation. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has stepped in with a strong statement, asserting that there's nothing illegal in Tariq's bowling and that Indian batsmen need not be overly concerned.
The 28-year-old off-spinner Usman Tariq has already claimed 11 wickets in four T20 international matches, with an impressive economy rate of 5.93, marking his exceptional prowess in T20 cricket. Tariq's intermittent bowling style has sparked extensive discussion in the cricket world.
Is Tariq's Action Like Muralitharan?
Usman Tariq's unique style is drawing comparisons with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan, primarily due to his highly flexible elbow. Opinions on Tariq are divided among cricket greats. Tariq pauses before delivering the ball, leading former England captain Kevin Pietersen to raise questions about the Pakistani spinner, while Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has vouched for its compliance with the rules.
In an interview with India Today, Sunil Gavaskar stated that there's no prohibition on a bowler pausing before delivering the ball, much like a batsman's pre-delivery movement. According to him, many commentators opine without fully understanding the rules. Gavaskar also noted that during recent practice sessions, Pakistani batsmen faced no extra difficulty with Tariq, suggesting Indian batsmen will also manage well.
Gavaskar added that in T20 cricket, batsmen target specific bowlers, and success largely depends on shot selection rather than a bowler's mystery. He emphasized that sticking to straight shots enhances success odds, while incorrect shots heighten the chances of getting out.
Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary also affirmed the legality of Usman Tariq's action. Per his assessment, every delivery by Tariq adheres to ICC guidelines, showcasing no illegal elbow bends. India and Pakistan will clash in a Group A match on February 15th in Colombo, a game sparking immense excitement among fans.
