Abu Dhabi, January 4, 2026: Pakistan’s spin sensation Usman Tariq has once again come out in defence of his bowling action as he prepares for the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) final on Sunday night, following renewed debate triggered during the qualifier play-off.
Tariq, who joined the Desert Vipers as a late replacement for Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed, has made an immediate impact at the business end of the tournament. In the qualifier against MI Emirates, the towering spinner picked up three crucial wickets, including that of England batter Tom Banton, helping the Vipers book their place in the final.
After his dismissal, Banton appeared to suggest that Tariq’s delivery was “thrown,” reigniting scrutiny over the pacer-turned-spinner’s unconventional bowling action. Similar allegations have surfaced in the past, but Tariq maintains that his action is well within the limits set by the laws of the game.
Under ICC regulations, a bowler’s arm is permitted to flex up to a maximum of 15 degrees during delivery. Tariq said he has undergone two official biomechanical tests in Pakistan, both of which cleared his action without requiring any modification.
“There are two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten fully,” Tariq explained. “As you can see from history, whenever spinners faced allegations of chucking, they went to the lab, tried to modify their action, and worked on the correct degree of flexion. That sometimes confuses spectators. I have undergone two official tests in Pakistan, and my action was cleared. Unlike others, I didn’t have to change anything. I was confident because I know I am not throwing.”
Addressing criticism on social media, Tariq urged commentators and fans to better understand the game before making accusations.
“If you don’t understand cricket and still comment or share opinions, illiteracy can kill knowledge. It’s better to understand the game first,” he said.
Tariq’s bowling style is distinctive, shaped by his early days playing tape-ball cricket in Pakistan as a fast bowler before switching to spin following an injury. His rise has been rapid, highlighted by a hat-trick in just his second appearance for Pakistan and multiple titles across T20 franchise leagues.
Now, the spinner is aiming to help the Desert Vipers clinch their maiden ILT20 title, after finishing runners-up in two previous finals. Speaking on the team’s podcast Vipers Voices, Tariq reflected on the pressure associated with finals.
“That final-match pressure is always different. As a human, you feel it, but the skill lies in managing it,” he said. “Experience has taught me how to reduce pressure and back myself. The team management also plays a key role by creating a supportive environment.”
Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran praised Tariq’s impact since joining the squad.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen him bowl on the field. He’s very unique and extremely skilful,” Curran said. “We lost Noor earlier, and Usman has stepped in perfectly. We hope he can deliver the same in the final and continue to be a quality bowler for Pakistan in the future.”
