Cricket’s latest controversy has ignited a fiery exchange between players and fans alike, leaving everyone divided. But here's where it gets controversial... After a crushing defeat for Australia in Lahore, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq fired back at Aussie star Cameron Green with a cheeky Instagram post, seemingly mocking Green’s accusation of chucking during their T20 clash. And this is the part most people miss... While Green’s on-field gesture hinted at suspicion, Tariq’s unorthodox bowling action—marked by a pronounced arm bend—has long been a topic of debate, despite being cleared by biomechanical tests. Is it a natural quirk, as Tariq claims, or something more? Let’s dive in.
The match itself was a landslide for Pakistan, securing a 90-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Australia’s collapse to 108 all out, with all wickets falling to spin, marked their heaviest T20I defeat in over two decades. Amid the wreckage, Green’s dismissal for 35—miscuing a wide delivery from Tariq—became a flashpoint. His return to the dugout was accompanied by a baseball-style throwing motion, a clear jab at Tariq’s action. But Tariq wasn’t one to back down. The next day, he posted a video of a crying child on Instagram with the caption, ‘After getting out,’ paired with a laughing emoji—a playful yet pointed response.
Tariq’s bowling action is undeniably unique. After a near-halt at the point of delivery, he unleashes off-breaks with a slinging motion and a visibly bent arm. This has sparked accusations of chucking, though he attributes it to a physical condition—a double-jointed elbow. Here’s the kicker... Despite being reported twice for a suspect action during the Pakistan Super League, biomechanical tests at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy have cleared him both times. Yet, the controversy persists, with fans and players alike questioning its legitimacy.
Under ICC rules, a bowling action is illegal if the elbow extends more than 15 degrees during the delivery stride. Tariq, however, insists his bend is natural, even stating, ‘I have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally.’ He’s not just defending himself—he’s hitting back at critics, calling out ‘illiterate’ cricket fans who question his action without understanding the science. ‘Illiteracy can kill knowledge,’ he remarked during the ILT20, urging detractors to study cricket before making allegations.
This isn’t the first time Australian cricketers have pointed fingers at Pakistani bowlers. In 2022, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain faced similar accusations, eventually being banned after tests confirmed his action was illegal. Meanwhile, Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was also cited for a suspect action during a Test tour of Sri Lanka but was later cleared. Even Cricket Australia has taken action, banning Chris Green for 90 days in 2020 for an illegal bowling action.
But here’s the real question... Is Tariq’s action a clever exploitation of the rules, or a genuine physical trait? And should players be allowed to question each other’s actions so publicly? The debate rages on, with the third T20 between Pakistan and Australia looming. One thing’s for sure: this controversy isn’t fading anytime soon. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments—do you think Tariq’s action is fair play, or does it cross the line?
