Former umpire Anil Chaudhary has given his verdict on Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s controversial bowling action, which came under the scanner during the recent series against Australia. Cameron Green had earlier expressed his displeasure with the Pakistan spinner’s action after being dismissed by him in the second T20I as the Australian all-rounder felt that Tariq could have bowled the ball.
However former international umpire Anil Chaudhary gave Tariq purity declared his bowling action legal. In a video shared on his Instagram account, Chaudhary explained that since Tariq has a side event and delivers all his balls in the same manner, his actions are completely legal and well within the prescribed ICC guidelines.
“I got a video of Usman Tariq’s bowling action. If you look at his action, it’s a bit sideways and a bit different and he bowls with a slight pause. But because he’s hitting all his balls the same way and there’s no bending and straightening in the arm as instructed, the action is absolutely fine. It’s different and the ball is hitting with the pause the same, but in my opinion his delivery is fair. This is a fair delivery,” Chaudhary said in the video.
Meanwhile, former Australian batsman Usman Khawaja also came out in support of Tariq and said that the spinner’s action has already been cleared several times and he has been doing well. Khawaja highlighted the emotional toll such allegations can take on a player.
“There aren’t many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is doing the best he can and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions,” Khawaja wrote on his Instagram Stories. Usman Khawaja’s Instagram Story (Source: usman_khawajy)
Cameron Green is unhappy with Usman Tariq’s action
The debate surrounding Tariq’s bowling action intensified after Cameron Green was seen on live television making a ‘retreat’ gesture following his dismissal in the second T20I. Green, who was batting fluently at the time, lost his wicket to the 28-year-old bowler and, on his way back to the dugout, the Australian the all-rounder was seen making a series of gestures which were interpreted by social media users as accusations of “tightening”.
It is worth noting that Tariq’s bowling action came under scrutiny on two separate occasions during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, on both occasions he was released after passing the required testing and biomechanical evaluation, with his actions deemed to be within the permissible limits under the laws of the game.
Tariq made his T20I debut in November 2025 and has taken eight wickets in three innings so far in his international career. He is set to next play for Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, where his performances will once again be closely watched.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 2, 2026