The world of cricket was set ablaze during the recent Australia vs. Pakistan T20 series, not by a six or a wicket, but by a simple, yet incendiary, hand gesture. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, after being dismissed by Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq, was caught on camera making what appeared to be a ‘chucking’ motion towards his teammates. The incident instantly went viral, reigniting the age-old debate around suspect bowling actions. But in a move that showcased true sportsmanship and deep understanding of the game’s complexities, former Australian batter Usman Khawaja stepped in to defend Tariq, calling out the harmful ‘stigma’ that surrounds such accusations.
This controversy isn’t just about one delivery; it’s about the science behind bowling, the psychological toll on players, and the importance of trusting official processes. At the heart of it all is the Usman Tariq bowling action, a subject of intense scrutiny and, as we’ll explore, official validation.
The incident unfolded during a high-stakes T20 match in Lahore. Frustrated after being clean bowled by Tariq, Cameron Green turned to his teammates and mimicked a straight-arm throw, a clear insinuation that Tariq had ‘chucked’ the ball. The gesture, captured by broadcast cameras, sparked immediate outrage from fans and pundits alike [[19]]. While Green has not publicly clarified his intent, the damage was done. The narrative quickly shifted from Tariq’s skill to an unfounded accusation about his legality [[24]].
Enter Usman Khawaja. In a commendable act of solidarity that transcended national rivalries, Khawaja used his platform to shut down the baseless chatter. He pointed to the most critical fact: Usman Tariq’s bowling action has been officially tested and cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on two separate occasions [[1]].
“Stop jumping to conclusions,” Khawaja urged critics. His message was clear: the stigma attached to the word ‘chucker’ is real and can be deeply damaging to a player’s career and mental well-being, especially when the official bodies have already given their verdict [[18]]. Khawaja’s stance wasn’t just about defending a fellow cricketer; it was a call for the cricketing community to respect the rigorous scientific process that governs the sport’s laws.
So, what makes Tariq’s action so unusual? The answer lies in biology, not in any attempt to cheat. Tariq himself has explained that his arm features a biological anomaly—an unusually flexible or double-jointed elbow [[15]]. This natural condition creates an optical illusion of a bent arm during his delivery stride, which can look suspicious to the untrained eye.
However, appearances can be deceiving. The ICC’s regulations are not based on how an action *looks*, but on precise biomechanical measurements. The legal limit for elbow extension is 15 degrees. Tariq’s action, when tested in an accredited laboratory under strict ICC protocols, has consistently shown that his elbow extension remains comfortably within this legal threshold [[16]].
The fact that Tariq has been cleared twice is not a minor detail; it’s a cornerstone of his legitimacy. Players can be reported for a suspect action during a match by the on-field umpires. If reported, they must undergo a formal biomechanical assessment at an ICC-approved lab.
Here’s what Tariq’s dual clearance signifies:
Far from being a fringe player, Usman Tariq is a central figure in Pakistan’s strategy for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which kicks off on February 7th [[18]]. His unique action and ability to extract turn make him a potent weapon in the shortest format of the game. The team management and selectors have shown full confidence in him, banking on his skills to deliver crucial breakthroughs on the world stage. The controversy, therefore, is not just a personal attack on Tariq but also a distraction from his vital role in a major tournament just days away.
The Cameron Green gesture may have been a moment of frustration, but it opened a much-needed conversation. Usman Khawaja’s intervention was a timely reminder that we must trust the scientific and regulatory processes in place. The Usman Tariq bowling action is not a mystery to be solved by social media sleuths; it’s a legally certified part of his skillset, validated by the sport’s highest authorities. As fans, our focus should be on celebrating his talent and contribution to the game, not on perpetuating a stigma that has already been officially debunked. For more on the intricacies of bowling actions, check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:cricket-laws-and-regulations].
In a refreshingly honest admission, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has ruled out a career in the…
In a high-stakes clash at the Providence Stadium, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to…
Former captain MS Dhoni has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, asserting…
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has unveiled sweeping reforms to the Laws of Cricket—73 changes…
With an all-left-handed, ultra-aggressive opening lineup led by Abhishek Sharma, India's Powerplay strategy is setting…
Pakistan’s decision to skip only its T20 World Cup match against India has triggered a…