Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly backed Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, defending the legality of his bowling action amid growing debate ahead of the high-profile T20 World Cup encounter between Pakistan and India. The issue gained attention after Tariq’s strong performance against the United States, where he picked up three crucial wickets and helped Pakistan register their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
Despite his match-winning spell, discussion quickly shifted from his performance to the noticeable pause in his bowling action before releasing the ball. The brief halt in his delivery stride sparked debate among fans and cricket analysts, with some questioning whether the action complies with ICC regulations. Social media platforms were flooded with slow-motion clips and comparisons, intensifying scrutiny just days before the marquee clash.
Several former Indian cricketers shared their opinions on the matter. Aakash Chopra discussed the technical aspects of the action, while Shreevats Goswami raised concerns about whether pauses in a bowler’s run-up should be permitted at all. Goswami compared the situation to football penalty rules, where players are not allowed to stop during their approach, suggesting that cricket may need clearer guidelines.
Ashwin, however, took a firm stance in Tariq’s support. He questioned why bowlers often face stricter technical scrutiny compared to batters, who are free to employ unconventional shots such as switch-hits without prior notification. Ashwin pointed out that bowlers, in contrast, must inform umpires even if they intend to change their bowling arm, highlighting what he described as an imbalance in how the laws are applied.
The veteran spinner also emphasized that legality cannot be determined through visual observation alone. He explained that bowling actions are scientifically assessed at ICC-accredited testing centers, where elbow extension is measured against the permitted 15-degree limit. Without such biomechanical analysis, he argued, public debate remains speculative.
Usman Tariq has previously been reported for a suspect action during the Pakistan Super League but was cleared by the ICC on both occasions. His bowling style is influenced by double-jointed elbows, which prevent full straightening of the arm — a trait famously associated with Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin concluded that Tariq’s pause should be considered legal as long as it remains a consistent and natural part of his delivery stride rather than an attempt to deceive batters.
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