The Pakistan cricket team has once again found itself in the middle of a controversy. This time, it is Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq who has come under scrutiny. Some cricket fans have alleged that he "chucks" while bowling, questioning the legality of his action. The ICC, however, has already cleared his bowling action twice.
During the World Cup, former cricketer Shreevats Goswami raised concerns about Tariq’s bowling action on social media. Now, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has responded, defending the Pakistani bowler and questioning certain existing rules.
Usman Tariq bowling action controversy explained
During his run-up, Tariq is seen pausing briefly before delivering the ball. Shreevats Goswami has argued that this pause goes against the spirit of the game. In his post, he wrote, "Even football doesn’t allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this ok? Action - all good. But pause ? That too while loading to deliver. This can’t be continued seriously !"
Despite such criticism, the ICC has previously assessed and cleared Tariq’s action under its regulations.
Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre.
— Ashwin ???????? (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026
Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within… pic.twitter.com/RbTkY6xJ3h
What Ashwin said on 15 degree rule and bowling laws
Resharing Shreevats’ post on his X handle, Ashwin countered the argument by drawing a comparison with modern batting innovations. He wrote, "Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre.
Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15° mark by the onfield Umpire is impossible.
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The only solution to that is having a real time in competition testing tool. The above is a grey area and to accuse someone for utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, if the pause at the crease is legal or not, and that’s where I believe that it is entirely legal because that is his regular action. "
Ashwin also made another post explaining the ICC’s 15-degree rule, which governs the permissible elbow extension in bowling actions. He clarified that Tariq is not violating the rule and is operating within the legal limit set by the ICC.
The debate has once again sparked discussion around evolving cricket laws and the balance between innovation and regulation in the sport.
