Former India all-rounder R Ashwin was delighted to see Daryl Mitchell protest Usman Tariq’s suspension during the Pakistan Super League match between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi on Friday, April 10, at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Earlier this year, in his YouTube appearance Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin suggested a tactical approach, stating that batsmen have the right to step back and challenge the break as it is completely within the rules. He also encouraged the players to use tactics against Tariq’s now famous break in the crease.
After Friday’s incident, Ashwin said it was up to umpires and umpires to regulate the timing of the break in the delivery, noting that batsmen can legitimately withdraw if it is not consistent. He added that captains and batsmen should raise the issue ahead of matches and praised Mitchell for his stance.
Ashwin wrote: “It is now up to the umpires and umpires to time the pause for his delivery. If the pause is not consistent then the batsman has every right to walk away. Captains and opposing batsmen should raise this issue with the umpires and match officials before the game starts. Well done Mitchell.”
WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN MITCHELL AND TARIQ?
The incident occurred during the middle part of the Rawalpindi chase, when Tariq used his trademark extended stutter in the crease before releasing the ball. Visibly upset at the disruption to his timing, Mitchell stepped away from his stumps and signaled to the umpire that he was not ready to face the delivery.
The New Zealand batter was even pulled more than once during the over, drawing criticism from on-air commentator Ramiz Raj, who felt Mitchell could have handled the situation better.
Despite the confrontation, Tariq remained highly effective, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-23-3, including Mitchell’s wicket soon after their exchange. His control at a 5.75 economy on good pitching proved decisive.
The match itself was dominated by Quetta Gladiators who won by 61 runs after posting 182 for six, led by Rilee Rossouw’s 53 alongside Saud Shakeel. Rawalpindi’s chase collapsed early with only Saad Masood’s 31 offering resistance as wickets fell regularly under pressure.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
11 Apr 2026 14:18 IST
