As the cricketing world gears up for another high-voltage India–Pakistan clash at the R Premadasa Stadium on February 15 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, one name has dominated headlines beyond the usual rivalry narratives — Usman Tariq.

The Pakistan off-spinner’s unusual, stop-and-pause bowling action has sparked fierce debate across global cricket circles. Is it a clever innovation within the laws of the game? Or does it border on illegality? While critics question, experts counter. Meanwhile, Tariq keeps taking wickets.

This is the full story behind the controversy, the numbers, the opinions, and the man at the center of it all.

A Bowling Action That Stops Time — Literally

Usman Tariq’s action is unlike most orthodox off-spinners. He pauses mid-delivery stride, almost statue-like at the crease, before releasing the ball with what appears to be a side-arm sling. The momentary halt disrupts rhythm, concentration, and timing — elements batters depend on.

That pause has unsettled some of the biggest names in T20 cricket.

• Australia’s Cameron Green was visibly bewildered during Pakistan’s 3-0 series sweep of Australia in Lahore. After slicing a wide delivery to cover, Green shook his head in disbelief and mockingly mimicked Tariq’s action near the boundary rope — later apologizing.

• South Africa’s Dewald Brevis fell to just the second ball Tariq bowled in T20 internationals in November.

Even former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami likened Tariq’s delivery to a soccer penalty run-up that would be ruled illegal if the taker stopped midway.

Yet despite the theatrics, the results speak loudly.

The Numbers That Demand Attention

In just four T20 internationals, Tariq has picked up:

• 11 wickets

• Average: 7.90

• Economy rate: under six runs per over

• 88 balls bowled

His standout performances include:

• 3/27 vs USA in his T20 World Cup debut, dismissing Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, and Mohammad Mohsin while defending 190. Pakistan won by 32 runs.

• 4/18 vs Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi during a tri-series — a spell that included a hat-trick.

• A key role in Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash of Australia.

Selectors were unsurprised to include him in the 15-man T20 World Cup squad, especially given Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.

Ash Anna 🫡@Vimalwa @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/lhjlolloGz— Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) February 13, 2026

The 15-Degree Debate: Chucking or Conforming?

The controversy largely revolves around cricket’s “15-degree rule” — the ICC regulation that bowlers cannot extend their elbow beyond 15 degrees during delivery.

Critics argue Tariq’s hyper-flexed arm raises suspicions of exceeding the limit. However, judging elbow extension in real time is nearly impossible for on-field umpires.

Interestingly, Tariq has already been reported twice for a suspect action during the Pakistan Super League over the past two seasons. Both times, testing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore cleared him.

His explanation is candid:

“I have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arm and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”

The comparison with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan — who also had a hypermobile elbow — is inevitable.

Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary has publicly backed Tariq:

“Since he delivers all his balls in the same manner, and there is no bending and straightening as per guidelines, the action is absolutely fine. In my opinion, this is a fair delivery.”

Gavaskar vs. Ashwin: Divided Indian Opinion

The debate intensified ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown.

Sunil Gavaskar: “Nothing Illegal”

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar dismissed the uproar:

“There is no law against the bowler stopping and delivering the ball, just like there is no law to say the batter cannot move before delivery. These comments are made by people who do not fully understand the rules.”

Gavaskar even suggested Indian batters would not be overly troubled and emphasized that poor shot selection — not mystery — causes dismissals.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Use the Rules Smartly

On the other hand, spin great Ravichandran Ashwin offered a tactical blueprint.

Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin suggested batters can step away from the crease if unsure during Tariq’s pause.

“If he stops before delivering the ball, the batsman has the right to move away. That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire.”

Ashwin even admitted he would personally use that tactic:

“One should do everything within the rules to win a game. I would simply say I don’t know when he will release the ball and step away.”

However, Ashwin also urged caution in judging elbow extension without technological support, calling the issue a grey area and advocating real-time testing tools.

🚨 INDIA SAYS USMAN TARIQ IS A CHUCKER 🚨

Usman Tariq has been intentionally benched over the last two series to avoid a potential ban 😯

Pakistan don’t want him to be banned before the T20 WC, they are trying to protect him for India match in T20 WC 🧐 pic.twitter.com/B9bMk0tWHc— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) January 30, 2026

The Psychological Edge

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed believes Tariq’s pause is his biggest weapon.

“The long pause disturbs the concentration of batters. When he bowls a fastish delivery or a slow one after that pause, it leaves them clueless.”

The disruption is mental as much as technical. Timing, anticipation, and muscle memory — all are compromised.

Tariq himself seems unfazed by media noise. After his spell against USA, he fired back:

“I guess there will be extra pressure on them. The way they are discussing these things shows maybe there will be pressure on them. I’m just focusing on my cricket.”

From Doubt to Dream: The Dhoni Effect

Tariq’s rise wasn’t straightforward.

He once gave up hope of making it in cricket. But inspiration came from an unlikely source — the biographical film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, based on the life of MS Dhoni.

“I had left behind the idea of making a name in cricket. But one day I watched this film, and it convinced me that I can also do the same.”

Ironically, the Indian captain who lifted the 2011 World Cup inspired a Pakistani spinner who now dreams of defeating India on the biggest stage.

🚨 LIFE OF USMAN TARIQ 🚨

PSL 2024: Reported by umpires Asif Yaqoob & Richard Illingworth

PSL 2025: Reported by umpires Ahsan Raza & Chris Brown

- Cameron Green is not the 1st Int'l cricketer to call out Usman's action. Before Green, it was Tom Banton pic.twitter.com/i5nhGvzjVw— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 1, 2026

The Prank That Wasn’t

After a sensational Caribbean Premier League season — where he claimed 20 wickets and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for champions Trinbago Knight Riders — Tariq received the call-up to Pakistan’s national side.

But he almost didn’t believe it.

“My coach informed me about my selection while I was busy with my wedding. I thought it was a prank.”

From wedding festivities to World Cup spotlight — the transition was dramatic.

India in His Sights

Less than three months ago, Tariq openly expressed his desire to face India.

“I wish there’s a match against India and I can win the game for Pakistan single-handedly. My coaches have injected this thing in me — you have to win matches single-handedly.”

Despite the hype, he insists the upcoming clash is “just another game.”

“When you get that hype on your mind, it’s better to keep it simple and stick to the plans.”

Yet his subtle psychological jab — suggesting India might be under “extra pressure” due to the scrutiny — adds spice to the rivalry.

Innovation or Illusion?

Is Usman Tariq lethal? Or is he simply different?

Gavaskar downplayed the threat, saying T20 batters target bowlers aggressively and that straight-bat play reduces risk. According to him, mystery isn’t the decisive factor — execution is.

Yet the early numbers suggest Tariq is more than a novelty.

• 11 wickets in 4 T20Is

• Hat-trick in Rawalpindi

• 3/27 in World Cup debut

• 20 wickets in CPL

Even in the Pakistan Super League, despite being reported twice, he emerged stronger after being cleared.

The Bigger Question: Cricket’s Grey Areas

The Tariq debate highlights a broader issue in cricket — the gap between written laws and practical enforcement.

• The 15-degree rule is scientifically measurable, but impossible to judge live.

• A pause in delivery is not illegal under current laws.

• Batters can legally move away before release.

In essence, both bowler and batter can exploit the grey areas — within the rules.

What Lies Ahead?

With spin-friendly conditions in Colombo, Pakistan may even field five spinners against India. If that happens, Tariq could be their trump card — or India could neutralize him using Ashwin’s suggested tactic.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain:

Usman Tariq has already become one of the most talked-about players of T20 World Cup 2026.

His action has split opinions.
His numbers command respect.
His confidence fuels headlines.

Legal? Yes, according to officials.
Lethal? The World Cup will decide.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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