Tim David questions Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq’s bowling action, gestures ‘no-ball’ after dismissal

Australian batsman Tim David became the latest batsman to question the bowling action of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq after he was dismissed during the men’s hundred match on Friday.Playing for Trent Rockets against Birmingham Phoenix, David played a full delivery outside off stump to the keeper. After the dismissal, he appeared to suggest to the umpire that the delivery should have been called a no-ball, seemingly because of Tariq’s bowling action. David also instinctively indicated that he should check before deciding against it. The referee overruled the appeal and David left.Under MCC Law 21.2, service is fair if the ball is not bowled. The law states that once the pitcher’s arm reaches shoulder level during the swing, the elbow may not be partially or fully straightened before the ball leaves the hand.

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The striker’s umpire has the primary responsibility for judging whether the serve is fair, although the bowler’s final umpire may also call a no-ball if he believes the ball has been bowled.David seemed to suggest that Tariq’s actions were not in accordance with the law and should have resulted in a no-ball.Tariq’s bowling action remained under scrutiny for some time. During the Pakistan Super League 2024, he was reported to the match referee by umpires Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth for a suspicious bowling action. His action was again flagged by the on-field umpires during PSL 2025.Earlier this year, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green also seemed to question Tariq’s action during the second T20I against Pakistan. After being dismissed by the spinner, Green mimicked a baseball-style pitching motion referencing Tariq’s bowling action.Despite on-field criticism and controversy surrounding his act, Usman Tariq was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).