KEY POINTS
- Usman Tariq’s bowling action has been cleared multiple times in official tests.
- Spinner attributes unique look of his delivery to physical limitation in his elbow.
ISLAMABAD: Former Australian opener Usman Khawaja has defended Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq following a disputed on-field gesture by Cameron Green during the second T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on January 31.
The issue arose on the last ball of the 11th over in Australia’s batting, when Tariq dismissed Cameron Green, caught at point off a sweep.
As Green left the field, he gestured toward the Australian bench, appearing to challenge Tariq’s bowling style.
Khawaja’s social media call for fairness
Khawaja posted a video of the incident online, captioning it to rally behind Tariq. “Few things hurt more in cricket than the ‘chucker’ label; it’s a heavy stigma,” he noted.
“Tariq’s giving his all and passed checks twice. Time for balance, empathy, and no rash judgments.”
Past reports and clean bills
Tariq’s distinctive, slinging arm action has drawn eyes before. Officials flagged it in PSL seasons 9 and 10, but tests cleared him each time.
The 2023 T20I debutant also faced claims in last year’s ILT20, where England’s Tom Banton called one ball ‘thrown.’
Tariq explains his elbow anatomy
Usman Tariq attributes the perception to his body. “My elbow has two bends that limit full extension,” he said earlier.
After two Pakistan-based tests and a recent ICC-approved lab review of 24 balls, authorities confirmed his action complies with rule, no changes needed.
