Table of Contents
- The Incident: What Happened on the Field?
- Tariq’s Social Media Response
- The History of Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action
- What Are the ICC’s Rules on Bowling Actions?
- Why This Controversy Matters for Cricket
- Conclusion: A Heated Moment in a High-Stakes Rivalry
- Sources
The Incident: What Happened on the Field?
The second T20I between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore on January 31, 2026, was already a tense affair, but it exploded into controversy during a crucial moment. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, struggling against the spin on a turning track, was clean bowled by Pakistan’s mystery spinner, Usman Tariq [[17]].
As Green walked back to the pavilion, visibly frustrated, he made a now-infamous hand gesture. To many viewers, it was a clear mimicry of a “throwing” or “chucking” motion, directly questioning the legality of Tariq’s bowling action [[1]]. The moment was captured on camera and went viral almost instantly, sparking a heated debate across the cricketing world [[16]].
Tariq’s Social Media Response
Usman Tariq did not take the accusation lying down. Known for his confident persona, the Pakistani spinner fired back with a pointed response on social media. He posted an Instagram story that appeared to mock Green’s frustration, a move that only added fuel to the fire [[18]].
Tariq’s retort was more than just a clapback; it was a defense of his professional integrity. Having faced similar scrutiny before, he was quick to remind everyone that his action has been officially cleared by the game’s governing body. His message was clear: his success on the field is skill, not subterfuge.
The History of Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action
This is not the first time Tariq’s Usman Tariq bowling action has been under the microscope. In fact, his unorthodox, slingy action has drawn attention throughout his career in various T20 leagues.
He has been reported for a suspect action on two separate occasions—in March 2024 and again during the PSL in April 2025 [[9], [11]]. However, on both instances, he underwent rigorous biomechanical testing at an ICC-accredited laboratory in Lahore. The results were definitive: his action was found to be within the legal limits of the 15-degree elbow extension permitted by the ICC [[10], [12]].
This history is crucial context. While Green’s gesture may have reflected a common perception among some players and fans, it stands in direct contradiction to the official scientific assessment of Tariq’s technique.
What Are the ICC’s Rules on Bowling Actions?
To understand the gravity of the accusation, it’s important to know the ICC’s stance. The International Cricket Council has strict regulations to maintain the spirit of the game. According to their rules, a bowler’s elbow cannot extend beyond 15 degrees from the point of delivery. Any action exceeding this limit is deemed illegal, commonly referred to as “chucking.”
The process for reporting and clearing a bowler is thorough:
- A match official reports the suspect action.
- The player is given a window to undergo independent biomechanical testing.
- If the test shows the action is legal, the player is cleared to continue bowling.
- If reported a second time within a two-year period, the player faces a suspension until they can get their modified action cleared.
Given that Tariq has passed these tests twice, he currently has the full backing of the ICC’s regulatory framework. You can read more about the ICC’s official regulations on their website [EXTERNAL_LINK: https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1469283].
Why This Controversy Matters for Cricket
This incident highlights a persistent tension in modern cricket between perception and scientific reality. On one hand, a batter like Green, facing a difficult and unusual action in the heat of the moment, might genuinely believe the bowler is gaining an unfair advantage. His frustration is a human reaction shared by many.
On the other hand, the game relies on objective, scientific standards to ensure fairness. Allowing on-field accusations to override official clearance processes undermines the authority of the sport’s governing bodies and can damage a player’s reputation unfairly.
For fans, this controversy is a reminder that cricket is as much a mental and emotional battle as it is a physical one. It also underscores the importance of respecting the protocols in place to protect both the integrity of the game and the careers of its players.
Conclusion: A Heated Moment in a High-Stakes Rivalry
The clash between Usman Tariq and Cameron Green is more than just a flashpoint; it’s a microcosm of the challenges facing cricket today. While Green’s “chucking” gesture was a raw display of in-the-moment frustration, Tariq’s response was a firm stand on his officially verified legitimacy. The Usman Tariq bowling action has been tested and cleared, and that is the benchmark by which it must be judged. As the Pakistan vs Australia rivalry continues to heat up, expect more intense moments—but let’s hope they’re decided by runs and wickets, not controversies.
Sources
- [[1]] News.com.au: “Cricket storm erupts over Cameron Green’s gesture in Australia’s defeat against Pakistan”
- [[9]] ESPNcricinfo: “PSL 2025: Usman Tariq reported for suspect action for the second year”
- [[10]] Geo Super: “Usman Khan responds to question on Tariq’s bowling action”
- [[11]] Times of India: “Pakistan’s Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action in PSL T20 tournament”
- [[12]] Geo.tv: “Usman Tariq defends bowling action ahead of ILT20 final”
- [[16]] Times of India: “Watch: Pakistan bowler under fire! Cameron Green’s angry reaction to Usman Tariq goes viral”
- [[17]] Nine.com.au: “Cameron Green blows up, Australia flogged by 90 runs as Pakistan clinch series victory”
- [[18]] Wisden: “Pakistan Spinner Responds To Cameron Green’s ‘Throw’ Gesture After Dismissal”