28 July,2026 06:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Usman Tariq (Pic: File Pic)
Pakistan's mystery spinner Usman Tariq has criticised the growing trend of batsmen questioning the legality of his bowling action.
He faced a similar issue in The Hundred. During a match between Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix, Australian batsman Tim David gestured for a no-ball after being caught behind.
Speaking about the incident, the Pakistan's spinner feels that calling for a no-ball should be the umpires' call.
"It is not the batters job to do these things. The umpires and match referee is there to watch everything. If I am allowed to bowl by the umpire it means my bowling action is legal," he said in an interview.
He then recollected the incident when Tom Banton questioned his action.
"Maybe the umpires and match referee need to do something. I remember even in the International T20 League in Dubai England's Tom Banton did the same thing, and at that time, I let him know my thoughts very clearly after getting him out," Tariq said.
The spinner continued to defend his bowling action and said that questioning his action should be stopped as there is no mercy left for spinners in the shortest format of the game.
"This should stop now. I work very hard on my bowling for variations because in T20 cricket nowadays there is no mercy for spinners. You have to be focused all the time," said the 31-year-old cricketer.
Earlier, former Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also expressed his views on Tariq's bowling action. The Indian spinner stated that Tariq, who takes a pause before delivering the ball, is not out of the rule books, and is also difficult to execute for the bowler as well.
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green had also appeared to be questioning Tariq's action during a T20I match.
Along with Tariq, Abrar Ahmed is the only other Pakistani player who is featuring in The Hundred.
Currently, Pakistan is busy engaging in the first Test match against the West Indies. The Caribbean side posted 311 runs in the first innings of the game. In response, Pakistan was bowled out for 282 runs in their first innings.
The West Indies have now reached the score of 126 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their second innings at the stumps of day 3. Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph will resume day 4 at the crease.
Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas has managed to pick up three wickets, whereas Khurran Shahzad has registered two scalps. Mohammad Ali and Aamir Jamal have also chipped in with one wicket each.
(With PTI Inputs)
