Salman Ali Agha Shuts Down Usman Tariq Doubters Ahead of India vs. Pakistan Battle

Salman Ali Agha remains confident in Usman Tariq's bowling action, despite public mockery from Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.

Salman Ali Agha Shuts Down Usman Tariq Doubters Ahead of India vs. Pakistan Battle

Salman Ali Agha stressed on the legality of Usman Tariq's actions. (via ESPN)

In Short
  • Salman Ali Agha defends Usman Tariq's bowling action, stating it has been cleared by the ICC twice.
  • The India-Pakistan T20I match is set for February 15 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
  • Agha expresses willingness for a handshake with Indian players, emphasizing the spirit of cricket.

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha addressed the controversy over Usman Tariq‘s ‘unconventional’ bowling, firmly insisting that his actions are completely legal. Agha’s remarks were directed at critics and doubters just before the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match.

After Pakistan rescinded its earlier boycott announcement, the highly-anticipated match between the two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, is scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

They had previously refused to take the field against India in solidarity with Bangladesh’s exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, the focus has now shifted towards a player in particular, off-spinner Usman Tariq, whose bowling action has attracted accusations of ‘chucking’.

The concern over Tariq’s bowling action is the elbow flex, as his arm seems to bend over the 15-degree limit set by the ICC during the delivery stride. His bowling rhythm adds to it, as he stops for a fraction of a second just before releasing the ball diagonally. Batters have found it increasingly deceptive, with the 28-year-old having claimed 11 wickets at an unbelievable average of 7.91 in four T20Is, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe.

Tariq has only played a game in the 2026 T20 World Cup, against the USA, where he once again finished with a spell of 3/27. The 28-year-old’s rise has also sparked reactions, from ex-players sharing plans for batters to counter Tariq’s spin to outright accusations of ‘throwing’. However, Pakistan’s T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha dismissed the unnecessary criticism, stressing that Usman Tariq’s bowling action has been duly cleared by the ICC twice.

He had been cleared by ICC-approved labs in Pakistan, after being reported twice during the PSL. Hitting back at critics, Salman Ali Agha exclaimed that the mystery spinner has remained unfazed by the fuss surrounding his action. The Pakistani captain also downplayed the idea of Tariq being the only ‘trump card’ for the team against a strong Men in Blues batting unit, but acknowledged his great form. He told the reporters:

The ICC has tested him [Usman Tariq] and cleared him twice… Anyway, he doesn’t get bothered much by all this because, ever since he started playing, people have been talking about his action, so he is used to it.

Against India, Tariq will be supported by a strong Pakistan spin-attack, which includes Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub. The Men in Blue also possess a talented spin-bowling attack, with Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel leading the line. 

No Animosity: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha says team open to shaking hands with India

In a surprising remark right before the India-Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup fixture in Colombo, Pakistani T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, firmly announced that his team is open to shaking hands with their Indian rivals. The 32-year-old hoped for an end to the current boycott of gestures. 

India-Pakistan 'no handshake' Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha stated that Pakistan is ready to shake hands with India. (via NDTV Sports)

Players from India and Pakistan embroiled in a ‘handshake’ controversy during the 2025 Asia Cup, which followed tense bilateral relations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The Indian players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with their opponents, despite facing each other thrice. It angered Pakistan, prompting them to threaten to pull out of the Asia Cup.

While it is highly unlikely that players from the two sides will shake hands in the WC as well, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha surprisingly suggested that cricket be played with spirit in mind. He disclosed that his team is ready to shake hands with the Indian players, but added that the decision ultimately rests with their rivals. Thereafter, the possibility of a friendly greeting between the players remains to be seen.

Cricket should be played in spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them [India] to decide what to do.

Moreover, it has also been reported that the India-Pakistan WC clash will be attended by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Several sources claim that Naqvi might hand over the Asia Cup T20 trophy to the Indian team, after the presentation ceremony last year did not go as planned. 

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