Usman Tariq in a post match press conference after taking hattrick against Zimbabwe:
Question: Were you expecting a chance in the T20 series, and how satisfying was it to prove yourself with a hat-trick?
Usman: Sir, the thing is that the team management (Mike) plans everything meticulously. So, I knew that I was going to play this game and had set my mind on it beforehand. I just played the match, delivered the performance, and let's hope things are even better in the future.
Question: Congratulations on the excellent performance. How much did the hard work in domestic cricket and Grade-II pay off? What would you say to the youngsters playing domestic cricket about its importance?
Usman: Usually, people use the word "struggle" for phases like playing Grade-II, but in reality, that is not your struggle time; it is your "process time." It is where you learn and go through tough periods. I think the word struggle is used for times when you are genuinely fighting for food or money. That time was a learning process where I learned a lot of cricket. My grooming happened during that tough period. I must tell all the youngsters and players that they should face the hardship because that is when your grooming happens. When you learn through that process, the results are like what I am getting now.
Question: Regarding your bowling, a Zimbabwean player also commented that your action is quite difficult to read. Can you tell us about any inspiration you have as a spinner, and which player did you consult for advice when your action was reported?
Usman: Whatever is being said about my action—that it is deceptive—that action has been naturally developed since I started playing cricket. When my action was called, that was the hardest time I was facing because I didn't have clarity about the future. At that time, my family, friends, and my Head Coach who has been supportive throughout my career, backed me and said things would be alright. Even Shane Watson was very supportive. He would constantly tell me not to panic and assured me I would be cleared. He said he would help me get into the ICC and that he would take me to Dubai at his own expense if needed. He said he was the one who previously cleared all the bowlers whose actions were reported, and he guaranteed that I was not a suspect. It was a tough process, but everything is clear now.
Question: Your bowling action, reading the ball from the palm, and the pause you give at the final minute confuse the batsman. Also, your field placement looks very crucial; you seem to know where the batsman's zone is and where the shots will land. Were you expecting a hat-trick today?
Usman: Honestly, I was not expecting a hat-trick today. In our hands is only effort, and our faith is that honor is in the hands of God (Allah). He granted us that honor. Regarding the action, it is naturally built now. I just have to work on being one step ahead of the batsmen, ensuring I don't bowl where they want to hit and making sure the fielding placement is according to where they are trying to play the shot. That's it.
Question: You are the next bowler after Ajantha Mendis and Sunil Narine who bowls with multiple grips. How many different kinds of grips do you use? Also, what is your dream venue for an iconic performance for Pakistan?
Usman: First of all, I always idolized the players you mentioned, like Sunil Narine, who spins the ball with his fingers. I also always followed Rashid Khan's line, length, and mindset. These players might have won the least number of "Best of the Tournament" awards, but they have the highest impact and are the most valuable players in the game. My mindset is to follow what they followed and become an impactful player who can dominate. Sometimes, three wickets give you more confidence and impact than five. That's what I strive for. (He didn't specify the number of grips). Regarding my dream: I really wish that in a match against India—which is the most important match for us—I can win the game for Pakistan single-handedly. My coaches, Aslam Qureshi and Shoaib Khan, always instilled in me that I must be a single-handed kind of person, capable of winning the match on my own. We will just try to do it; effort is in our hands, and the result is in the hands of God.
Question: Representing Pakistan is a milestone, but achieving a hat-trick today is certainly a huge milestone. You left a settled job in the UAE for cricket. Are you satisfied that this was a better decision?
Usman: I am quite satisfied, alhamdulillah. It was a long journey and a tough decision at the time because my family was dependent on me, and I was the only earner. Sometimes, I sit and think that only a crazy person would make that decision. But, I came back with that craziness and passion. I even received offers to stay in the USA and play there—like many other players are doing—but I refused twice because I wanted to play for Pakistan. Pakistan is our passion, my identity, and my pride. If I had gone and represented the USA or Oman, I would not have been able to build the identity that I am getting by playing for Pakistan. The dream was clear: I have to go for Pakistan, and alhamdulillah, I did it.
