Pakistan’s 28-year-old offspinner Usman Tariq has grabbed headlines at the T20 World Cup 2026 with his distinctive bowling style—a statue-like pause at the crease followed by a sling release that rattles batters.
Technique Breakdown
Tariq’s approach features a prolonged halt in his delivery stride, disrupting batsmen’s rhythm before unleashing quicker or slower balls, leaving players like Australia’s Cameron Green and South Africa’s Dewald Brevis visibly baffled.
Reported twice for potential “chucking,” he was cleared by Pakistani officials, centering debate on the ICC’s 15-degree elbow flex rule, which umpires struggle to judge live.
Match Impact
In his tournament debut, Tariq snared three wickets against a young US side in Sri Lanka, honing his craft that Pakistan hopes to deploy against India on Sunday after lifting their boycott.
Experts note the pause echoes a penalty kick feint, amplifying mental pressure while staying within rules.
Cricketing Debate
The action divides opinions—former India keeper Shreevats Goswami questions its legality, while fans praise the innovation unsettling top-order stars.
Tariq’s dream matchup with India looms large, potentially featuring five spinners in a tactical masterstroke.
