Ashwin backs Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq amid renewed action scrutiny

Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action came under the scanner once again after the team’s win over the USA in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, February 11, even as he starred with three wickets for 27 runs. It was Pakistan’s second win of the campaign, but the spotlight quickly shifted from Tariq’s figures to his unconventional method.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came out in support of the 24-year-old, arguing that on-field judgement of elbow flex is impractical and that the issue needs clearer solutions.

“Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre. Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15° mark by the onfield Umpire is impossible. The only solution to that is having a real time in competition testing tool.”

“The above is a grey area and to accuse someone for utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, if the pause at the crease is legal or not, and that’s where I believe that it is entirely legal because that is his regular action,” Ashwin wrote on X.

Tariq’s action is distinctive: a normal run-up followed by an exaggerated pause at release, almost coming to a complete stop for up to two seconds before delivering side-arm, slinging offbreaks.

He has been reported twice, first during the 2024 PSL, and again in the next edition, but was cleared on both occasions after assessments in Lahore.

Published on Feb 11, 2026