Usman Tariq undermines India [Source: @DoctorofCricket/x, AFP]Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has seemingly undermined Team India batting line-up, comprising of explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, ahead of their highly-anticipated faceoff later this week. As Tariq copes rising scrutiny for his controversial bowling action, the 28-year-old has claimed that the Indian batters are “under pressure” as Pakistan recently made it two-in-two this 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. It is worth noting that the star Pakistani spinner picked up figures of 3-27 on February 10 as Pakistan decimated the USA team by 32 runs in Colombo. Usman Tariq brushes aside bowling action scrutiny, says pressure is on India Usman Tariq has been facing much criticism from former cricketers and as well as from a legion of cricket fans for his controversial bowling action. Brushing aside all talks about his action, the star spinner has stated that he is not bothered with the outside noise and his primary focus is to win matches for the Pakistan cricket team. Additionally, the off-spinner alleged that the Indian batters will be feeling “extra pressure” since it is largely the Indian fans that are objecting to his bowling action. While speaking after Pakistan’s comprehensive win against USA, Tariq said “I guess, there will be extra pressure on them. Because, the way they’re discussing these things, I think, if they’re just discussing it in that sense, meaning, they’re just objecting on that, it shows that, maybe, there will be extra pressure on them. But I don’t know about it. I’m really focusing on my games. I don’t have any idea what’s going around in the media and stuff. It’s a simple thing that I’m just focusing on my cricket and practice.” Usman Tariq wallops USA on T20 World Cup debut Usman Tariq’s veiled warning against Team India might not be taken lightly, especially with a high-stakes match between the two sides looming later this week. The star Pakistani spinner is already enjoying an exceptional run in T20I cricket since making his debut last November. In the four matches he has played for Pakistan, the 28-year-old has picked up 11 wickets at a bowling average of 7.90. Moreover, in his debut T20 World Cup match against USA on February 10, the Quetta Gladiators cricketer dismissed a well-set Milind Kumar before running through Harmeet Singh and Mohammad Mohsin in successive deliveries. Muttiah Muralitharan urges ICC to ban Usman Tariq Contrary to Usman Tariq’s claims, the Pakistani cricketer is not facing scrutiny and criticism from “Indian fans” alone. Former Sri Lanka cricketer and legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan recently urged the ICC to take strict action against the 28-year-old. Muralitharan even questioned Tariq’s bowling action, including the controversial pauses he takes in his delivery strides. Last month, the Pakistan cricketer was brutally mocked by Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in Lahore. After getting dismissed by Tariq, Green mimicked his bowling action while making his way back to the sheds, alleging the spinner of chucking deliveries. In any case, Usman Tariq and the rest of his Pakistan teammates will now face India on February 15 later this week. The match will be hosted by the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and will mark Pakistan’s penultimate Group A match of the competition.
