Is Usman Tariq chucking? Ashwin defends Pakistan spinner's unique action
What's the story
Pakistan's Usman Tariq has been embroiled in a 'chucking' controversy during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The mystery spinner, who was instrumental in Pakistan's victory over the USA by taking three wickets, has been in hot water for his bowling action. His bowling action sees him pause near the crease before delivering the ball with a side-arm sling-shot motion.
Support
Ashwin on legality of bowling action
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come to Tariq's defense, saying that the legality of his action can only be determined at an ICC bowling action testing center. He emphasized that judging if a bowler is within the 15-degree mark by on-field umpires is impossible without a real-time in-competition testing tool. "The above is a gray area and to accuse someone for utilizing the gray area is wrong," Ashwin wrote on X.
Rule debate
Why are restrictions only for bowlers? Ashwin questions
Ashwin also questioned why such restrictions are only imposed on bowlers and not batters. He highlighted that a batter can switch hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler after committing to one side, but a similar exemption isn't given to bowlers. "They should first change that rule," Ashwin added.
Twitter Post
Here's what Ashwin wrote
Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026
Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within… pic.twitter.com/RbTkY6xJ3h
X-factor
Pakistan's X-factor trumps USA
Tariq, who was first reported for his unconventional bowling action during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been backed regularly by Salman Agha. The mystery spinner, who made his international debut against South Africa in November, has played four T20Is so far. The 28-year-old off-spinner, who was included for the USA game, starred in Pakistan's 32-run win with a three-fer.