Pakistan’s Usman Tariq received support from R Ashwin, whose bowling action came under the scanner once again after the win over USA in the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 on Monday, February 11. Tariq picked up three wickets for 27 runs Pakistan secured their second win of the campaign, but instead of his performance, the action of the mystery spinner was once again in the limelight.
Unlike some other spinners, Tariq has a visible bend in his arm and an unconventional run-up, which has led to questions about how he continues to play international cricket and in the top T20 leagues around the world. His act was questioned by Australia’s Cameron Green during the recent bilateral series against Pakistan.
Further scrutiny followed Pakistan’s win over the USA with a video of fans mocking the spinner’s action during the game.
Fans also voiced their concerns on social media and said that Tariq was deliberately going down during the game and must be banned by the ICC.
Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami also joined the discourse and was not particularly targeted by the pause Tariq made during his run-up, pointing out how a similar approach was stopped in penalty kicks in football. Goswami said the action should not continue.
“Even football doesn’t allow players to pause during the run-up to the penalty anymore. How is that okay? Action – all okay. But a pause? That too while loading to deliver. This seriously can’t go on!” tweeted Goswami on X. (Credit: Shreevats Goswami X)
HOW ASHWIN DEFENDED TARIQ?
It was Goswami’s remark that prompted Ashwin to defend Tariq when the former India spinner questioned why such restrictions were imposed on bowlers and not batsmen.
“Consent football does not allow this! While a batsman may be allowed to switch strike or reverse without informing the umpire or the bowler, after committing to start batting on one side, why are the restrictions limited to the bowler only? In fact, the bowler is not allowed to change the arm he bowls with without informing the umpire! They should change that rule first,” Ashwin. Credit: R Ashwin X
IS TARIQ’S ACTIVITY ILLEGAL?
The Pakistani spinner was reported twice in his career during the Pakistan Super League and was dismissed both times. Former international umpire Anil Choudhary gave Tariq a clean sweepstating that his actions are legal and fall within prescribed ICC guidelines.
WHAT DID TARIQ SAY ABOUT HIS DEED?
The Pakistan spinner had earlier hit out at his doubters, saying the health of his bowling arm was causing confusion for viewers.
“There are two corners on my (elbow) that make it difficult for me to straighten,” he said. “It creates confusion for the audience.”
Tariq will be in action for Pakistan when they next face India on February 15 in Colombo.
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Published on:
February 11, 2026