Muttiah Muralitharan calls out Usman Tariq [Source: AP, @Shanu_3010/x]Usman Tariq seems to be finding himself at the center of some growing scrutiny despite making an impressive start to international cricket. With several cricketers and fans raising concerns around his bowling action, legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has now given his verdict regarding the 28-year-old. Muralitharan believes Usman Tariq’s bowling action is “completely illegal”, and has even lambasted the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not taking any action against him yet. Muttiah Muralitharan questions Usman Tariq’s bowling action Former Sri Lanka cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan has come down heavily on Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action. According to PTV News, Muralitharan has demanded the ICC to take an immediate action against the cricketer. He said, “Usman Tariq’s action is completely illegal. I genuinely don’t know why the ICC has still not taken action against him.” Muttiah Muralitharan also questioned the long pauses Tariq takes in his delivery strides, with the cricketer garnering some unwanted attention after making his T20 World Cup debut on February 10. Muralitharan stated that not only does Tariq bends his elbow while bowling, his “two-minute” pauses are completely “illegal”. He added, “His elbow bends during delivery, and the two-minute pause he takes in his run-up makes it completely illegal. At times, it feels like he’d probably take a five-minute pause halfway through his delivery.” Compatible to Muttiah Muralitharan’s claims, Tariq was spotted taking questionable pauses during his bowling action against USA on February 10. The cricketer picked up three wickets in the match as Pakistan decimated USA by 32 runs to remain unbeaten in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Who is Usman Tariq? Tariq made his international debut for Pakistan during a home T20I against South Africa last November. To date, he has taken wickets in each of his four T20I appearances. It is worth noting that Tariq has also been reported twice for holding a suspect bowling action during his time with the Quetta Gladiators franchise in PSL. Last month, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green mocked the Pakistani spinner by mimicking his bowling action on his way back to the sheds. In doing so, Green alleged Tariq of throwing the ball. Usman Tariq finds support in Ravichandran Ashwin With Tariq coping some disparaging comments from spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan and others, he has also found some support from seasoned Indian pro and former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. The legendary Indian all-rounder defended Tariq, and even claimed that the Pakistani spinner will go on to play the entire 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup without getting sanctioned by the ICC. Ashwin also added that the long pauses Tariq takes while bowling is completely legal and he should be allowed to do so. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the Pakistan team management will keep Usman Tariq in the playing XI for their next Group A match against Team India this weekend. The blockbuster match will be hosted by the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15.
