Former Umpire Clears Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action Amid Controversy
Former cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling style, which has faced criticism during the recent series against Australia. After being dismissed by Tariq in the second T20I, Australian player Cameron Green expressed concerns, suggesting that Tariq’s action resembled throwing rather than bowling.
Chaudhary, however, has given Tariq a clean bill of health concerning his bowling action. In a video posted on his Instagram, he explained that Tariq’s side-on bowling technique is completely within the legal guidelines set by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Chaudhary noted that although Tariq’s action might look a bit different and includes a slight pause, he delivers each ball consistently.
“I reviewed a video of Usman Tariq’s bowling. While there’s a bit of a side-on style and a pause in his action, he bowls each delivery the same way with no bending of the arm that would violate any regulations. To me, his action is legitimate and fair,” Chaudhary stated.
Adding on to the support for Tariq, former Australian batsman Usman Khawaja also spoke up, emphasizing that Tariq has previously been cleared of any wrongdoing. Khawaja underscored the emotional stress that such allegations bring to players, calling for a more measured perspective on the issue.
“There aren’t many things worse than being labeled a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The player is just trying to do his best and has been cleared multiple times. Let’s stop jumping to conclusions and show some understanding,” Khawaja shared on his Instagram Stories.
The controversy surrounding Tariq intensified when Cameron Green was seen making a ‘chucking’ gesture on live TV after his dismissal in the second T20I. At the time, Green was batting well, but upon losing his wicket to Tariq, his gestures stirred up discussions on social media about the legitimacy of Tariq’s bowling.
It’s important to mention that Tariq’s action has been scrutinized in the past during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but he was cleared after passing all necessary tests to confirm that his bowling style complies with the rules.
Tariq made his T20I debut in November 2025 and has taken eight wickets in his first three matches. He is expected to represent Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where his performance will be closely monitored.
