India fears Usman Tariq: Malik and Basit slam critics over mystery spinner’s bowling action
India fears Usman Tariq: Malik and Basit slam critics over mystery spinner’s bowling action
By Nawaz Gohar ; Former cricketers are now weighing in, claiming that the Indian team is gripped by the fear of Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq ahead of their encounter. The highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled for February 15.
Leading up to the game, discussions in India have centered on the “terrifying impact” of Usman Tariq. Some are attempting to justify their batters’ anxiety by fueling rumors regarding his unique bowling action.
During a discussion on a Pakistani news channel, retired Test cricketer Basit Ali remarked, “The match hasn’t even started, and there is already so much noise regarding Usman Tariq. They are simply afraid of him.”
Shoaib Malik added his perspective, stating, “Once the umpires have cleared Usman Tariq’s action, the debate should end. This outcry exists only because batters are unable to read him. Whenever a bowler becomes unplayable, people start looking for flaws to pick apart.”
Malik further clarified the technicality: “According to ICC laws, as long as the arm extension remains within the 15-degree limit, the action is legal, regardless of any pauses or variations in delivery.”
Moderator Najee-ul-Hasnain also shared a tweet from Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin supporting Usman Tariq. Ashwin questioned why restrictions are only placed on bowlers when batters are granted the freedom to play switch hits and reverse sweeps without prior notice to the umpire or bowler.
Attempts by opposing players and officials to label Usman Tariq an “illegal bowler”, similar to tactics used against other Pakistani bowling geniuses in the past, have surfaced. However, since Tariq’s deliveries, which are considered even more dangerous than the traditional “Doosra,” do not violate any laws, these efforts have remained unsuccessful.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) formed scientific committees on two separate occasions to analyze his action. Both committees officially declared his bowling action legal.
The fear surrounding Usman Tariq is not without merit; his bowling is genuinely intimidating. Captain Salman Ali Agha included him in the squad specifically to maintain a psychological edge over opponents. In his debut appearance, Tariq’s overs dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup, claiming three wickets. Beyond just taking wickets, Usman Tariq has succeeded in creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among rival batters.
