With tensions already running high ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan, it is Usman Tariq who has now found himself at the centre of attention before the February 15 encounter.
What was earlier a technical talking point has now snowballed into a wider debate after cricketer-turned-commentator Shreevats Goswami questioned the legality and spirit of the action on social media.
The post quickly drew a response from veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who defended Tariq and broadened the discussion to the imbalances in cricket's laws that largely favour the batter.
In a follow-up post, Ashwin later clarified the technical nuances around pauses in the delivery stride and how the laws are interpreted.
The timing of the debate, just days before Pakistan face India on a surface historically known to assist spin - the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo - has only amplified interest.
Who Is Usman Tariq?
Usman Tariq's rise has been anything but conventional. The off-spinner first grabbed global attention after picking up a hat-trick in only his second T20I appearance.
Tariq's journey to the top is rooted in resilience. Having lost his father at a young age, he reportedly took up multiple jobs to support his family before committing fully to cricket. Interestingly, he was inspired by a biopic on MS Dhoni, after which he chose to leave a stable life abroad and pursue professional cricket, a defining gamble that reshaped his career trajectory.
He began playing franchise cricket in 2023, refining his craft against stronger opposition before earning a Pakistan call-up in November 2025.
ALSO READ: From Nepal To Netherlands, Associate Teams Impress In Early Stages
Rapid International Impact
Tariq made an immediate statement on T20I debut in Lahore, dismissing South Africa's Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis as Pakistan restricted the visitors to 139/9 in a series-clinching win.
In just his second outing, he produced a sensational 4/18, including a hat-trick, against Zimbabwe. He followed that up with figures of 2/16 against Australia in Lahore as Pakistan sealed the series with a 90-run victory, Australia's biggest T20I defeat since 2005.
Those early returns underline why Pakistan captain Salman Agha has described him as the team's “X-factor”.
“Yes, he is the X-factor of the team, and where we feel that we need an X-factor, we will definitely use him,” Agha had said ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Interestingly, during that win against Australia, all-rounder Cameron Green appeared to mimic the action when walking off the field, seemingly accusing him of “chucking”, which only reignited the discussion.
The Controversies Around His Action
Tariq's action has previously drawn scrutiny.
During the Pakistan Super League in March 2024, he was reported for a suspect bowling action but was cleared within days after testing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
In April 2025, while representing Quetta Gladiators, he was reported again by on-field umpires. Under tournament regulations, he was allowed to continue bowling but faced the prospect of suspension if reported again before obtaining fresh clearance from an ICC-accredited testing centre.
Tariq's action stands out visually. While the run-up appears orthodox, Tariq takes a pause at the crease, sometimes close to two seconds, at the point of delivery before releasing the ball with a slingy, side-arm motion. The exaggerated halt is what has repeatedly fuelled debate, even though he has twice been cleared under ICC testing protocols.
What Do The Rules Say?
Under ICC regulations, a bowler's action is deemed illegal if the elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees measured from the point the arm reaches horizontal until the moment of ball release.
Biomechanical testing measures the degree of extension through motion analysis in accredited laboratories. As long as a bowler remains within the 15-degree threshold, the action is considered legal, irrespective of how unusual it may appear aesthetically.
Importantly, the laws do not prohibit a pause in the delivery stride per se. The focus is on arm extension, not rhythm or tempo, unless it constitutes an unfair attempt to deceive the batter under Law 21 of the MCC's Laws of Cricket.
Tariq has twice cleared the mandated testing procedures, meaning his action remains officially legal.
What Has Tariq Said?
Addressing criticism earlier, Tariq explained that his arm has a natural bend due to a biological condition and that he has undergone testing to validate it.
Following his USA performance at the World Cup, he reflected on the evolution of his bowling:
“It's been a long journey. I have been working on my action for a very long time and have developed through different phases. When I started, I used to bowl differently, but I have evolved over time. It has helped me grow into the bowler I am today.”
On bowling on flat surfaces, he added, “If your work ethic and process are strong enough, you won't find issues bowling on wickets like these. My process comes from bowling on flat tracks in Peshawar.”
Ahead of the India game, he remains unfazed by the renewed chatter.
“I guess there will be extra pressure on them if they are discussing these things… I am really focusing on my cricket and practice.”
The Bigger Picture Before February 15
With Pakistan set to face India at the spin-friendly R. Premadasa Stadium, Tariq's role could be pivotal. The debate around his action has resurfaced at a moment when tactical margins are razor-thin and psychological edges matter.
For now, the ICC's stance is clear: he is cleared to bowl. Whether batters are comfortable facing that exaggerated pause is another matter altogether.
As the countdown to February 15 continues, one question lingers - will India find a way to counter Pakistan's ‘X-factor', or will Usman Tariq once again make the world take notice… after taking a pause?
ALSO READ: Hasaranga To Bracewell — Injury List Grows Across Teams In T20 World Cup
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.