Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has found himself at the center of a storm after his unusual bowling action sparked massive outrage on social media during the third and final T20I against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, November 1.
Usman Tariq was clearly seen chucking while bowling during Pakistan’s four-wicket victory over South Africa in the final T20I in Lahore on Saturday. In the 10th over of the South African innings, Usman Tariq was seen unfairly gaining extra spin while straightening his arm more than the allowed limit before delivering the ball to Donovan Ferreira.
Usman Tariq sparks controversy as fans accuse him of chucking in Lahore T20I
bowled a full toss delivery at 94.1 km/h on the leg side. Ferreira timed it well, flicking the ball in front of the square. He ran quickly between the wickets for two runs. However, it was Tariq’s action that didn’t go unnoticed by the fans.
Shockingly, the match officials didn’t declare the ball a no-ball, sparking outrage on social media. According to the rulebooks, a bowler’s arm can bend a little while bowling, up to 15 degrees.
Well, clips of Usman Tariq’s bowling style went viral on social media, with fans accusing him of “chucking” and demanding action from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Many fans have expressed their shock, questioning how such an action could be allowed in international cricket. The internet is flooded with memes, harsh comments, and comparisons, with some even labelling him the “new Bhatta bowler of Pakistan.”
Usman Tariq’s past bowling action controversy
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Usman Tariq’s action has come under scrutiny. Earlier in March 2024, just three matches into the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Tariq was reported for having a suspect bowling action.
However, after a detailed review and testing at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, the Pakistani spinner was cleared by experts only five days later and allowed to continue bowling in the tournament. Tariq later explained that his unusual action was a natural part of his bowling rhythm.
Tariq had told MYK Sports, “I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”
Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spell and Babar Azam’s masterclass led Pakistan to a T20I series win
Well, Babar Azam once again proved why he’s Pakistan’s biggest match-winner as he led his team to a thrilling T20I series victory over South Africa. Babar smashed a superb 68 runs off 47 balls to help Pakistan chase down 140 runs with six balls to spare to win the final T20I by four wickets.
Captain Salman Ali Agha also contributed 33 runs in Lahore. Earlier, Shaheen Afridi set the tone with a fiery opening spell, striking twice in the very first over and finishing with three wickets overall.
His early breakthroughs left South Africa struggling, as they managed only 139 runs on the board.
With this win, Pakistan sealed the T20I series 2-1 in style, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the Test series. Now, they will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series, starting on November 4.