India vs. Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha Defends Usman Tariq’s ‘Stop-Start’ Action Amid Controversy
COLOMBO – The narrative surrounding the upcoming February 15 clash between India and Pakistan has shifted from historical rivalry to technical legality. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed visible frustration during Saturday’s pre-match press conference when repeatedly questioned about the bowling action of mystery spinner Usman Tariq.
Tariq, known for his unconventional delivery stride which features a distinct pause before releasing the ball, has become the focal point of the pre-match analysis. Agha dismissed concerns regarding the 28-year-old’s legitimacy, emphasizing that the spinner has cleared official scrutiny multiple times.
Captain’s Defense: “He Has Been Cleared Twice”
During the press briefing in Colombo, Agha addressed the scrutiny directed at Tariq, who recently completed a two-hour net session bowling to Pakistan’s top order. The captain insisted the media scrutiny was manufacturing a controversy where none existed officially.
“All players are equal in my eyes. You guys are the ones who are focused on Usman Tariq and have made him a big topic,” Agha stated. “Obviously, he has been bowling quite well for the past few months. He has played league cricket before representing Pakistan, where he also performed well. It can be said that he is a trump card for us.”
Tariq’s action was previously reported twice during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), specifically while playing for the Quetta Gladiators. However, subsequent biomechanical testing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore found his action within the 15-degree tolerance limit permitted by the ICC.
“The guy has been cleared twice and has done everything the ICC asked him to do to bowl in international cricket,” Agha added. “I don’t think he cares about all that is being said about his action.”
Usman Tariq: Player Profile and Stats
The following data highlights Tariq’s recent domestic performance context leading into the international fixture.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Usman Tariq |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Off-break (Mystery Spinner) |
| Key Characteristic | Stutter/Pause in delivery stride |
| Domestic Team | Quetta Gladiators (PSL) |
| Action Status | Cleared by NCA (Lahore) |
Tactical Implications: The Ashwin Hypothesis
The mechanics of Tariq’s action have drawn attention from technical experts, including veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin analyzed the potential loopholes the action presents for opposing batters, specifically regarding the timing of the delivery.
Ashwin suggested that if Tariq pauses excessively, a batter could legitimately withdraw from their stance at the last second, claiming they were not ready. “If Tariq pauses before delivery, the batter has the right to move away. The batter can say, ‘I don’t know when the ball is coming, so I moved away,’” Ashwin noted.
This creates a complex scenario for the on-field umpires. Under ICC Playing Conditions, the umpire must determine if the delay distracted the batter or if the withdrawal was a time-wasting tactic. Ashwin warned that if batters start withdrawing repeatedly, it could force Tariq to alter his rhythm under pressure.
The Element of Surprise
Despite the debate, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed believes the action remains a potent weapon. Speaking to the media, Sarfaraz explained that the pause disrupts the batter’s trigger movement.
“Batters are struggling to read Tariq because of the long pause when he steps on the bowling crease,” Sarfaraz said. “The pause disturbs their concentration and when he bowls a fastish delivery after that delay, or even a slower one, it leaves batters clueless.”
As the February 15 match approaches, the focus remains on whether India’s batters will attempt to disrupt Tariq’s rhythm or play him on merit. For more on the official laws regarding bowling actions, refer to the MCC Laws of Cricket.