![Sunil Gavaskar backs Usman Tariq ahead of India vs Pakistan game [Source: @WhatIsThat_09/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771054149005_SunilGavaskarsupportsUsmanTariqamidINDvsPAKT20WorldCup2026.jpg?type=hq)
Sunil Gavaskar backs Usman Tariq ahead of India vs Pakistan game [Source: @WhatIsThat_09/X.com]
Sunil Gavaskar has ended all debate around Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq and his controversial bowling action just a day before the high-voltage India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash.
The former India captain and ICC commentator said there's nothing illegal about Tariq's action. Gavaskar believes Indian batters won't be overly troubled by the off-spinner's unusual stop-and-pause delivery style.
Sunil Gavaskar dismisses concerns over Usman Tariq
Talking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar dismissed the noise surrounding Usman Tariq and his action. He said there is no law that stops a bowler from pausing in his run-up before releasing the ball.
Gavaskar pointed out that just as batters are allowed to move before the ball is delivered, bowlers, too, have certain freedoms within the rules.
"I haven't really seen it properly, apart from a few glimpses on television, which is not always the best thing to, to see, but, look, there is no law against the bowler stopping and delivering the ball, just like there is no law to say to the batter you can't move before the bowler delivers the ball. So I don't think, you know, I mean, these are, these are, you know, comments made by people who do not, do not actually know the rules of the game," Gavaskar said.
He also suggested that many critics may not fully understand the playing conditions. Sunil Gavaskar added that from what he has seen, there is no reason for concern.
According to him, Indian batters are experienced enough and unlikely to be unsettled by the pause in Tariq’s stride.
"I think some of these comments are coming from people who do not fully understand the rules of the game. There is nothing to be concerned about. From what I saw at the recent practise session that you were around, the Pakistani batters had no problems playing him, so I don't see the Indian batters having too many problems playing him" he added.
Why Tariq's action sparked debate?
Usman Tariq has made a strong start to his T20I career. In just four matches, he has picked up 11 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate. His stop-and-pause action, combined with subtle changes in pace, has made him difficult to read.
However, the unusual delay before delivery drew comparisons with past controversies. Some former cricketers questioned whether it was within the rules. Others defended him. The chatter only grew louder as the India-Pakistan match approached.
Pakistan’s training session under lights showed how central Usman Tariq is to their plans. Teammates even mimicked his action in the nets, a sign of both confidence and clarity within the camp.
India-Pakistan clash set for Colombo
The T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan is set to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It's one of cricket's biggest rivalries.
The two teams last met during the Asia Cup 2025, where India defeated Pakistan three times to win the title. India will be looking to continue that dominance.
Pakistan have been in Colombo for a few days and are familiar with the conditions. India arrived later and will need to adjust quickly.
The weather could be a factor. Sri Lanka's meteorology department has warned that a low-pressure area might form around February 15, which could bring rain.
.jpg?type=mq "IND vs PAK: Different training sessions!")
