Pak's Usman Tariq finds support in Ashwin amid claims of illegal bowling action
India Today
R Ashwin has jumped to the defence of Pakistan's Usman Tariq amid claims of illegal bowling action following the game against the USA on Monday, February 10.
Pakistan's Usman Tariq received support from R Ashwin, whose bowling action came under the scanner once again after the win over the USA in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, February 11. Tariq picked up three wickets for 27 runs as Pakistan secured their second win of the campaign but instead of his performance, it was the mystery spinner's action that was under the limelight once again.
Unlike some of the other spinners, Tariq has a visible bend in his arm and an unconventional run-up that has led to questions about how he continues to play international cricket and in top T20 leagues around the world. His action was called into question by Australia's Cameron Green during the recent bilateral series against Pakistan.
More scrutiny followed Pakistan's win over the USA, with a video of fans mocking the spinner's action during the game.
ICC should ban Usman Tariq for his illegal bowling action. pic.twitter.com/dYfSEFxmDv
Fans also voiced their concerns on social media, saying that Tariq was deliberately chucking during the game and needs to be banned by the ICC.
Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami also joined the discourse and he wasn't particularly with the pause that Tariq takes during his run-up, pointing out how a similar approach has been stopped while taking penalties in football. Goswami said that the action shouldn't be continued.
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