Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared by the PCB [Updated Post# 29]

[arskhan04]

It shows how deep the concerns are within our cricketing system.

Just last year, this bowler’s action was reported then cleared and declared legal. He went on to play an entire domestic season without any issues. Now, once again, his action has been reported — in his own country’s league.

This isn’t a one-off case.

We saw a similar situation with Mohammad Hasnain not too long ago. And in the past, players like Shoaib Malik and Saeed Ajmal also faced action-related issues after years of playing at the highest level.

Why do these reports keep coming after long stretches of play? Are our internal checks not strong enough? Is the system failing our bowlers?

It's time we reflect on whether the issue lies with the players, or with the processes designed to guide and protect them.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Well we don't know if he has chucked.

However in general, ideally, the system should catch players earlier but I'm glad the umpires feel empowered enough to make these calls during the PSL.

in the worlds premier and most competitive league serial chuckers like Sunil Narine get away with it time and time again, so lets be thankful that the PSL is getting something right.

 

[RidiculousMan]

It shows how deep the concerns are within our cricketing system.

Just last year, this bowler’s action was reported then cleared and declared legal. He went on to play an entire domestic season without any issues. Now, once again, his action has been reported — in his own country’s league.

This isn’t a one-off case.

We saw a similar situation with Mohammad Hasnain not too long ago. And in the past, players like Shoaib Malik and Saeed Ajmal also faced action-related issues after years of playing at the highest level.

Why do these reports keep coming after long stretches of play? Are our internal checks not strong enough? Is the system failing our bowlers?

It's time we reflect on whether the issue lies with the players, or with the processes designed to guide and protect them.

Looks like opponent teams are abusing this system by calling him.

I'm not sure why match referee and umpires would report it or take notice of complains even when he was cleared last year.

 

[Pakpak]

I watched him yesterday, to the blind eye his action looks dodgy.

 

[Major]

It is annoying watching him and Ashwin do that stop and than bowl. I feel Usman's wickets are mostly generated based on that stoppage he does. ICC needs to bring in a rule that when in the bowling follow through you cant stop your arm mid way.

The umpires did right by reporting, he can still bowl and he can easily give a test in Lahore, its just a 15 min flight.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I doubt he's a chucker. I don't see much straightening and round arm bowlers find it harder to chuck I think.

But pausing and bowling really should be banned at all levels of cricket.

And that's even for Ashwin/Hafeez type pauses .

This guy pauses for an eternity longer and then delivers.

 

[Seam Specialist]

The question should be asked is that has Usman Tariq changed his action, if his action hasn't changed, then umpires have no reason to call for suspect action. His action was already cleared last year and it's pretty clear what he is doing is a combination of googly and carrom ball but with a round arm action. It looks unusual but he isn't bending his elbow.

I would lawyer up from Usman's perspective and put the unonce on the umpires to prove that his action has changed from the one that was cleared last year.

 

[Devadwal]

I doubt he's a chucker. I don't see much straightening and round arm bowlers find it harder to chuck I think.

But pausing and bowling really should be banned at all levels of cricket.

And that's even for Ashwin/Hafeez type pauses .

This guy pauses for an eternity longer and then delivers.

Include Santner also .he does most of Times

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Include Santner also .he does most of Times

He delays his arm a bit. He is fine actually.

 

[PakFan2010]

Bumrah has been getting away with it for years.

 

[Barragan]

He has already been cleared and he doesn't chuck

If he is cleared again (which he should be), then the PSL management needs to stop anyone else from reporting him again in the PSL

 

[ufcfan]

Bumrah has been getting away with it for years.

Like Akhtar?

 

[Major]

I doubt he's a chucker. I don't see much straightening and round arm bowlers find it harder to chuck I think.

But pausing and bowling really should be banned at all levels of cricket.

And that's even for Ashwin/Hafeez type pauses .

This guy pauses for an eternity longer and then delivers.

Hafeez dint really pause, he only slowed down. Ashwin's pause and Usman's pause is really annoying.

 

[Major]

He has already been cleared and he doesn't chuck

If he is cleared again (which he should be), then the PSL management needs to stop anyone else from reporting him again in the PSL

why?

They are well within their right to keep on reporting him

 

[Savak]

Has he been playing domestic cricket? The quality of umpiring in our domestic cricket is awful so no surprises there.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Hafeez dint really pause, he only slowed down. Ashwin's pause and Usman's pause is really annoying.

Hafeez was asked not to pause even in Champions League back in 2014.

 

[Major]

Hafeez was asked not to pause even in Champions League back in 2014.

His pause was never an issue, interestingly ICC had banned these pauses, but still i dont get why Ashwin and Usman still do it

Bowlers' pause can now be deemed unfair

The ICC has asked match officials to use their discretion to decide if the bowlers' pause before delivery is unfair play

www.espncricinfo.com

 

[Nikhil_cric]

His pause was never an issue, interestingly ICC had banned these pauses, but still i dont get why Ashwin and Usman still do it

Bowlers' pause can now be deemed unfair

The ICC has asked match officials to use their discretion to decide if the bowlers' pause before delivery is unfair play

www.espncricinfo.com

Hafeez is one of the bowlers mentioned in the article you quoted

 

[Major]

Hafeez is one of the bowlers mentioned in the article you quoted

i know, i read it. But I am just saying his pause wasnt an issue because he would just slow himself down.

 

[Barragan]

why?

They are well within their right to keep on reporting him

If he gets cleared multiple times, then what's the issue?

Reporting him because you with your naked eye think there is something suspect is unacceptable

 

[Major]

If he gets cleared multiple times, then what's the issue?

Reporting him because you with your naked eye think there is something suspect is unacceptable

a bowler could be chucking and than during the test bowl with a cleaner action.

Sometimes, chucking happens accidentally, where the bowler gets tired and casual chucks one away. If umpires suspect, they should rightfuly call it

 

[Sachin fan]

Bumrah has been getting away with it for years.

ICC has declared hyperextension is not chucking all the way past in Aktar's time. Yet some Pak fans keep crying

 

[Barragan]

a bowler could be chucking and than during the test bowl with a cleaner action.

Sometimes, chucking happens accidentally, where the bowler gets tired and casual chucks one away. If umpires suspect, they should rightfuly call it

You really think they wouldn't be able to see if a bowler is bowling differently during the test from the actual match?

LUMS is icc certified, so there's a lot of credibility at stake

This isn't like the usual 3rd rate Pakistani standards, but actually internationally recognised and the icc's reputation would also be at stake

 

[AAli98]

Really really poor batch of players coming out of pak at the moment.. likes of usman khan, Tariq you will find in Sunday taxi freshie leagues!!

 

[Aang_The_last_airbender]

Hafeez is one of the bowlers mentioned in the article you quoted

That's a major omission.
I was wondering who will drag India, BCCI or Indian bowlers into this thread. I wasn't disappointed.

 

[Major]

That's a major omission.
I was wondering who will drag India, BCCI or Indian bowlers into this thread. I wasn't disappointed.

you need to read the next post and i am also saying that Usman needs to be banned from bowling such deliveries aswell.

But no surprise that you got butt hurt when india got mentioned.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Usman Tariq set to miss the match today against Karachi Kings for his side Quetta Gladiators, so the report has its toll on his availability for his team

 

[pratiktc]

This is an interesting case.

Usually with suspect spinners the action gets fixed but after excess bowling volume it becomes ragged and reverts inadvertently to chuck since it puts less stress on shoulder and wrist (which was case for Ajmal).

However Usman is not an FC player and does not have the bowling volume that would cause such deterioration. In his entire career he has bowled barely 1000 balls at top level over 2.5 yrs.

This leaves only 2 possibilities on table. Either he has been called by a different umpire on the optical illusion of chucking (or) he is an opportunistic chucker of certain deliveries like Hafeez and Malik were

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared

Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq, who was earlier reported for a suspect bowling action, has cleared his bowling assessment after undergoing testing at the PCB-accredited biomechanics lab in Lahore.

Usman was reported for a suspect bowling action on 13 April during an HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars. Following this, the Quetta Gladiators management requested the PCB to allow the bowler to undergo testing, consequent to which he has cleared the bowling assessment.

Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared

Previous media release on Usman Tariq’s reported action is available here Rawalpindi, 7 May 2025: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq, who was earlier reported...

www.pcb.com.pk

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I doubt he's a chucker. I don't see much straightening and round arm bowlers find it harder to chuck I think.

But pausing and bowling really should be banned at all levels of cricket.

And that's even for Ashwin/Hafeez type pauses .

This guy pauses for an eternity longer and then delivers.

Like I said, never did think he straightened that elbow. The pause is what needs to be looked at.

 

[Barragan]

Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared

Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq, who was earlier reported for a suspect bowling action, has cleared his bowling assessment after undergoing testing at the PCB-accredited biomechanics lab in Lahore.

Usman was reported for a suspect bowling action on 13 April during an HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars. Following this, the Quetta Gladiators management requested the PCB to allow the bowler to undergo testing, consequent to which he has cleared the bowling assessment.

Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared

Previous media release on Usman Tariq’s reported action is available here Rawalpindi, 7 May 2025: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq, who was earlier reported...

www.pcb.com.pk

Once again, not surprising

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Like I said, never did think he straightened that elbow. The pause is what needs to be looked at.

Yep his action is clean as a whistle but that pause makes it suspicious

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Major]

Highly over rated. Bowls just too slow and gets away with poor batters.

Wouldnt last in international cricket.

Maybe good for psl but not good for international

 

[BouncerGuy]

Highly over rated. Bowls just too slow and gets away with poor batters.

Wouldnt last in international cricket.

Maybe good for psl but not good for international

SO far, he has been good... He is not over-rated at all... His action might get him in trouble though.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Highly over rated. Bowls just too slow and gets away with poor batters.

Wouldnt last in international cricket.

Maybe good for psl but not good for international

He Could be a one tournament surprise factor. 3-4 matches of purple patch before he gets worked out.

 

[Ball Blazer]

M Hafeez on Usman Tariq's bowling action:

"There are some issues with his bowling. You can keep him, but the bowling definitely has some concerns. According to the new rules introduced in 2014, the main issue is about the bowling action — it must stay within the allowed limit. These rules were already there before as well."

"It’s about the angles — the new angles that came into play when they upgraded and analyzed his action. The journey from here to here (pointing) is what they examined."

"The limit is 15 degrees."

 

[Major]

Saw the commentary on cricinfo, banto was arguing about his action once he got out. Interestingly no comments we was scoring off him

 

[Rana]

He got Pollard out who is actually a brilliant smasher of mystery spin

 

[ElRaja]

low arm plus lots of back spin makes it harder to get under the ball.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Saw the commentary on cricinfo, banto was arguing about his action once he got out. Interestingly no comments we was scoring off him

Banton was pissed like a true Englishman after getting outdone by someone better in the game

 

[Devadwal]

Usman Tariq bowling action should be banned can clearly see he's just throwing the ball. Lol

 

[Muhammad Saad]

His back spinners never reaches the batsmen and they all play their shot very early and add to that he’s got a top spinner as well who just rushes on to you and combine with low arm trajectory and hidden release he is very much a nightmare for the batters in T20.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

If his action is clean (which I think it is) then there is no reason not to include him in the T20 World Cup squad. A bowler like him, who is a bit off-beat and has that mystery spin element could be a trump card in an ICC tournament, especially considering that very few batters from other teams have played him so far.

 

[TheSultan]

I’m sorry but I’m not convinced by this joker. What an absolute embarassment.

Whatever next - find someone who will do a silly dance to distract the batsmen? That will prob give you some first season wickets too. Won’t last - will be cannon fodder soon enough

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I doubt he's a chucker. I don't see much straightening and round arm bowlers find it harder to chuck I think.

But pausing and bowling really should be banned at all levels of cricket.

And that's even for Ashwin/Hafeez type pauses .

This guy pauses for an eternity longer and then delivers.

I think the key element is that he does this for all his deliveries, rather than just one or two, which is what is banned by ICC. My doubt was regarding the bend in his arm and that's probably what got him reported before, but it seems like he has remodeled his action a bit and become more round-armish.

 

[RidiculousMan]

If his action is clean (which I think it is) then there is no reason not to include him in the T20 World Cup squad. A bowler like him, who is a bit off-beat and has that mystery spin element could be a trump card in an ICC tournament, especially considering that very few batters from other teams have played him so far.

He should've been in 2024 WT20

 

[Major]

Im not a fan of his bowling, but if what he is bowling is legal and if he is taking wickets and is in form, bring him in than.

 

[Sachin fan]

Doesn't seem like chucking, the force he is generating after pausing seems to be from his shoulder, his arm doesn't straighten.

His pause is also why the ball reaches slower then batsmen expect.

 

[Major]

Doesn't seem like chucking, the force he is generating after pausing seems to be from his shoulder, his arm doesn't straighten.

His pause is also why the ball reaches slower then batsmen expect.

You wont see him chucking in t20 cricket or during the first 3 overs of a single spell.

He will eventually chuck, and that will happen if he is made to bowl 4 overs on the trot or ends up playing first class or even odi cricket.

The pause causes two issues.

The first one is obvious that it makes the batter mess up his initial movement

The second issue is, when you are not generating your bowling speed from your run up and just rely on your arm to catapult it, you are generating force only from your arm just like you said.

The issue with just generating force from your arm is that you need to stay energized. The moment you get tired or get abit lazy, the arm will bend. It happens in bowling.

He is safe, because in a longer spell he might get lazy and chuck and get reported.

But in the labs, i doubt you have to bowl more than 4 overs. His chucking will only get caught if he is tired and is made to bowl a longer spell during his check up.

 

[BouncerGuy]

He cleared the Test 2 times... There are bowlers who have been discussed many times due to their action but not once they are tested by ICC or reported and we all know why..

Gora players need to focus on their batting instead of crying now... Usman owns you with his bowling and you are just crying

 

[Ball Blazer]

The only thing louder than your sledging is the crying after losing.
@Devadwal

View attachment ssstwitter.com_1769872916594.mp4

 

[Josh]

Usman looks dodgy in few balls but most balls he is bowling fine. Maybe he has a special ball with wrong action

 

[Devadwal]

The only thing louder than your sledging is the crying after losing.
@Devadwal

View attachment 161200

Are bhai hum to is chuker ko ase dhoyenge ki yad rakhega.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Are bhai hum to is chuker ko ase dhoyenge ki yad rakhega.

You say that he won’t get called out for chucking because of the Pakistani umpires. Who do you think reported his action in the PSL?

 

[Bhaijaan]

He has the most beautiful action. Sadly some will call it chucking. They’re obviously jealous, or Endian, or Cameron Green.

 

[Devadwal]

You say that he won’t get called out for chucking because of the Pakistani umpires. Who do you think reported his action in the PSL?

Not just before the World T20.

 

[Devadwal]

He has the most beautiful action. Sadly some will call it chucking. They’re obviously jealous, or Endian, or Cameron Green.

How is this chuker feeling when everyone knows he is a illigal bowler.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Not just before the World T20.

Why would they report him when he’s been tested and cleared?

 

[Devadwal]

Why would they report him when he’s been tested and cleared?

Cleared by PCB not ICC. He is a chuker , watch his 3rd ball of the 2nd over. I Only watch that over.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Why would they report him when he’s been tested and cleared?

Because they’re jealous of a rising cricketing nation under the inspirational Agha ji.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Are bhai hum to is chuker ko ase dhoyenge ki yad rakhega.

Chuker? Ab yeh kya hota hai?

 

[Local.Dada]

Why would they report him when he’s been tested and cleared?

Cleared by whom? His action was dodgy enough to be reported in 2 leagues including PSL itself. Even Narine plays leagues but not international. ICC standards will be different.

 

[CricVet]

Chuckra Vs Usman will be a good contest to see who bowls with a straighter arm

 

[Local.Dada]

I don’t think he is chucking all balls though. He is mixing it up with normal deliveries, which is the issue. Just rewatched it. The ball to Cameron Green definitely looks off.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

He has the most beautiful action. Sadly some will call it chucking. They’re obviously jealous, or Endian, or Cameron Green.

 

[BreadPakoda]

That’s not chucking. Those are throw downs.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I don’t think he is chucking all balls though. He is mixing it up with normal deliveries, which is the issue. Just rewatched it. The ball to Cameron Green definitely looks off.

Ball to Cameron green doesn't look much different to any others.

It is an ugly action and ugly pause but it doesn't look like th arm extends.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

He is not a chucker.
He was tested by PCB twice.

 

[DRsohail]

How is this chuker feeling when everyone knows he is a illigal bowler.

If Bumrah is not feeling anything why him?

 

[hur rizvi]

I think it’s a given that he’ll be reported

I hope PCB tests were rigorous enough for his sake

 

[Bhaijaan]

I think it’s a given that he’ll be reported

I hope PCB tests were rigorous enough for his sake

It’s PCB so we are assured that the tests were conducted as per most strongest standards. Reputation matters and PCB shines in that area as an uncompromising cricket board adhering to the best standards in sports

 

[charlie007]

He is not a chucker.
He was tested by PCB twice.

PCB also tested Babar's strike rate many times and decided he was fine to be a T20 player.

 

[hur rizvi]

So if he’s reported during the WC what’s the protocol? How soon can he get tested?

 

[Devadwal]

If Bumrah is not feeling anything why him?

How Many time bumrah reported by umpire? And how Many player's arw are openly accused Bumrah for chucking.

Usman Tariq is reported by umpire and many international player's complaint about him during the live match.

 

[hur rizvi]

It’s PCB so we are assured that the tests were conducted as per most strongest standards. Reputation matters and PCB shines in that area as an uncompromising cricket board adhering to the best standards in sports

The biomechanics lab is housed at LUMs so I have faith in credibility of the institution at least

 

[cricketjoshila]

Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared

Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq, who was earlier reported for a suspect bowling action, has cleared his bowling assessment after undergoing testing at the PCB-accredited biomechanics lab in Lahore.

Usman was reported for a suspect bowling action on 13 April during an HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars. Following this, the Quetta Gladiators management requested the PCB to allow the bowler to undergo testing, consequent to which he has cleared the bowling assessment.

Usman Tariq's bowling action cleared

Previous media release on Usman Tariq’s reported action is available here Rawalpindi, 7 May 2025: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq, who was earlier reported...

www.pcb.com.pk

Cleared by pcb not icc , icc may recheck him

 

[Babeikh]

I am not sure if he chucks or not but here are a few things I do know:

Many people who are saying he chucks do not actually know what chucking is. They see a slightly bent arm in a still photo and think that proves he chucks. But that is not chucking. The important question is whether he straightens his arm after bending it and if he does whether the straightening is within 15 degrees.

He has been cleared twice by an ICC accredited lab in a reputable institution.

I expect the pressure from Indians and the drama / optics of Green's dramabazi (possibly more dramabazi to come from others) will ensure he will get reported at some point soon. I assume he will be suspended pending the results of the test. I expect it will happen fairly soon, maybe in the group stage of the world cup, maybe even sooner.

 

[charlie007]

Here’s another possibility - Pakistan might not play him in the next T20 vs Australia and have him bowl straight in the India match so even if he gets called in the game, he would have served his purpose already.

 

[hur rizvi]

Here’s another possibility - Pakistan might not play him in the next T20 vs Australia and have him bowl straight in the India match so even if he gets called in the game, he would have served his purpose already.

That’s pretty fair and Pakistan should do it. They also should have replacement ready