R Ashwin Defends Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq Amid Illegal Bowling Action Debate In T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has found unexpected support from former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after renewed scrutiny over his bowling action during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The controversy intensified following Pakistan’s victory against the USA, where Tariq delivered a standout performance but saw his technique come under heavy debate across social media and cricket circles.

Tariq picked up three crucial wickets in the match, playing a key role in Pakistan’s second win of the tournament. However, attention quickly shifted away from his performance toward his distinctive bowling action, which features a noticeable bend in the arm and an unconventional pause during the run-up. Critics questioned whether his delivery remains within the legal limits set by the International Cricket Council, reigniting discussions that have followed him throughout his career.

The debate escalated after former cricketers and fans shared opinions online, with some calling for stricter regulation of such actions. Concerns were raised about the brief pause Tariq takes before releasing the ball, with comparisons drawn to rule changes in other sports that restrict similar movements. These criticisms sparked a wider conversation about fairness and consistency in cricket’s laws governing bowlers and batters.

R Ashwin entered the discussion by defending Tariq, arguing that bowlers often face stricter scrutiny compared to batters who are allowed to innovate freely with techniques like switch hits and reverse shots. He highlighted the challenges umpires face when judging elbow extension during live play, noting that accurately determining whether a bowler exceeds the 15-degree limit is nearly impossible without advanced technology. Ashwin suggested that introducing real-time testing tools during matches could help reduce confusion and ensure objective decision-making.

The former Indian spinner also emphasised that exploiting a “grey area” within existing rules should not automatically lead to accusations of wrongdoing, adding that Tariq’s pause appears to be part of his natural action. His comments added a new dimension to the debate, shifting the focus from allegations toward broader questions about cricket’s evolving regulations.

Despite ongoing scrutiny, Tariq’s bowling action has previously been examined and cleared under official testing procedures. He was reported twice during domestic league appearances but passed assessments conducted under ICC guidelines, receiving a clean verdict from match officials. The spinner has explained that a medical condition affecting his elbow structure contributes to the unusual appearance of his action, which sometimes leads to misunderstanding among viewers.

The controversy comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, with a high-profile clash against India scheduled in the tournament. Tariq’s performance and bowling technique are likely to remain under the spotlight as the competition progresses. Analysts believe that the discussion reflects a broader challenge within modern cricket, where unconventional styles often push the boundaries of traditional expectations while remaining within the rules.

As debates around bowling actions continue, the incident highlights the need for clarity and consistency in how cricket laws are applied. Whether viewed as innovation or controversy, Tariq’s presence in the T20 World Cup has once again sparked conversations about fairness, technology, and the evolving nature of the sport.