Indian Fans Accuse Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq of Chucking Ahead of T20 World Cup

A newcomer in the Pakistan squad, spinner Usman Tariq has been facing scrutiny for his unconventional bowling action, which appears to involve bending his arm past a certain limit. Tariq has been accused of ‘chucking,’ with Indian cricket fans calling for the ICC to take action.

The history of spin bowling has been filled with instances where players have been reprimanded for their bowling action. The legendary Sri Lankan spinner and the highest wicket-taker in international cricket history, Muttiah Muralitharan had to face ‘chucking’ allegations throughout his career. Others like Sunil Narine and Harbhajan Singh also feature in this list, with Pakistan’s Usman Tariq being the latest addition. 

An unknown figure until recently, Usman Tariq rose to fame for his unorthodox spin-bowling style. In the 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League, he finished with an impressive tally of ten wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 7.95. It was followed by a remarkable 20-wicket campaign for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL 2025, which resulted in him being picked to represent Pakistan internationally.

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On his T20I debut, he finished with figures of 2/26 in his four-over spell against South Africa in Lahore, before turning heads with a hat-trick in a later T20I against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. With success came scrutiny, as Tariq’s bowling action, which features a ‘base-ball style’ side-arm flick and a dramatic pause in his run-up, being reported by umpires during the PSL. Most recently, during the 2025-26 ILT20 season, the 30-year-old faced the heat after English batter Tom Banton even accused him of ‘throwing’ the ball.

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Usman Tariq has consistently defended his bowling action, claiming that a bend in his right arm due to the presence of ‘two elbows’ creates an illusion of ‘chucking’. The off-spinner also pointed out that he has been cleared twice by biomechanical testing in Pakistan, which found his elbow flexion to be within the 15-degree limit. Despite this, there has been significant public outcry over his action, with many terming it as ‘illegal’.

Pakistan is saving this certified chucker Usman Tariq for match against India

They don’t want him to be banned before the T20 WC, they are trying to protect this chucker so that he survives at least one match before getting banned in world Cup
pic.twitter.com/KwkscnWC7j

— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) January 30, 2026

Fans have also compared Usman Tariq to former Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal. Once a household name with over 400 international wickets, Ajmal was later banned by the ICC after tests revealed that his elbow extension reached nearly 42 degrees, way beyond the limit. 

Usman Tariq under fire: Fans demand that the Pakistani off-spinner be banned ahead of the T20 World Cup

Indian cricket fans urged the ICC to turn its attention towards Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq, who has been at the center of controversy over his unconventional bowling action. The 30-year-old had previously termed his critics as ‘illiterate’ after facing allegations of ‘chucking’.

Batters have found it exceptionally difficult to read Usman Tariq, for his ‘mystery’ bowling style combines a disruptive rhythm with a quirk that masks the point of release. The right-arm spinner has only played two T20Is, picking up six wickets at an average of 7.33. However, he has a vast amount of experience bowling in T20 leagues, having picked up 63 wickets from 39 games so far. 

Meet Usman Tariq, a spinner from 2 RS Pakistan. He is a clear product of chucking!!

– Pakistan is not playing him any game since last 2 series. He had a hattrick before that.

– Pakistan is planning to play him directly vs India to escape ban before WC!! pic.twitter.com/Ld1U3v5h9V

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 30, 2026

To be honest, that action looks a bit suspicious

— Haseeb Ahmed Ch (@HaseebAhmedch2) January 30, 2026

"Mohsin Naqvi’s Masterplan: 🧠

Call for a World Cup boycott. ❌

Take a U-turn and book flights. ✅

Hide certified chucker Usman Tariq until Feb 15 so he doesn't get banned early. ✅
Desperation has a new name, and it’s wearing a green jersey. 😂

— sportified (@adi25611) January 30, 2026

Indian cricket fans have been quick to point out a discrepancy in his bowling action, with many claiming that the 30-year-old might be ‘illegally’ used by Pakistan against India at the T20 World Cup. Many of them even exclaimed that Pakistan has kept Tariq on the bench for the last two series, even though the player is fully fit. This, fans claimed, might be a way to protect Tariq from potential ICC sanctions.

Aren't we suppose to keep the elbow straight while delivering? That's look chucking to me. His elbow ain't straightening enough while delivering.

— Shrenik (@shrenik0911) January 30, 2026

zero momentum, just shoulder chucking. shouldn't be in international cricket. kedar jadhav cleared him.

— reanna (@x0reanna_) January 30, 2026

Certified by ICC twice, cleared biomechanically yet your tears keep flowing.
Usman Tariq is legal, your salt is illegal. 🤡
Save the conspiracy BS for when India actually wins something big. #UsmanTariq #PakCricket

— Muhammad Rashid (@Rashid_speaks) January 30, 2026

However, Pakistani cricket fans have also stepped out in the player’s defense. Many of them have pointed to the fact that the umpires are the only ones who can report on a suspected bowling action, with Tariq having faced no international inquiry so far.

Also Read:

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