 "Usman Tariq is once again in the news for his controversial bowling action. Image: AFP")
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has once again found himself surrounded by controversy after his bowling action created a storm on social media during the third and final T20I against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on November 1.
Tariq was accused of chucking during Pakistan’s four-wicket win in the match. Many fans shared videos of his unusual action, calling it “suspicious” and “unnatural” and accusing him of bowling “bhatta.” He picked up two wickets for 26 runs in four overs in the match against South Africa.
Hafeez on Tariq’s bowling issue
However, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez doesn’t feel that Tariq’s bowling is illegal, explaining the issue during a talk show with former players, including the legendary Wasim Akram. The video is doing the rounds on social media after Tariq’s bowling issue resurfaced recently.
“The pause is not an issue at all. You can stop during your bowling. The issue is that the new ICC rules say that when you reach the horizontal position and then release the ball, the difference in the angle should not be more than 15 degrees. So, you take a pause or do whatever, it doesn’t make any difference,” Hafeez said in a video.
This is not the first time Usman Tariq’s bowling action has come under the scanner. During the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 and 2025 seasons, he was reported for a suspected illegal action while playing for Quetta Gladiators. Following the first reporting last year, he underwent a biomechanical test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe test was done under lab conditions to check whether his elbow extension stayed within the 15-degree limit allowed by the ICC. Tariq was cleared by experts and allowed to continue bowling in the tournament at the time. However, he was reported again this season, but cleared the second assessment test as well.
At that time, Tariq himself had spoken about his action, saying it was due to a natural condition in his arm. “I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue,” Tariq had told MYK Sports after being cleared in the PSL last season.