COLOMBO – The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has its first major tactical flashpoint. Pakistan’s off-spinner Usman Tariq is at the center of a global cricketing debate following his match-winning performance against the USA at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) on Tuesday. While Pakistan’s 32-run victory propelled them to the top of Group A, it was Tariq’s “stop-start” bowling action that dominated headlines, drawing comparisons to football’s banned penalty run-ups and sparking a heated exchange between cricket legends.
The ‘Pause’ That Shook the USA
Defending a total of 190, Pakistan turned to Tariq, whose unorthodox style—a zigzagging run-up followed by a 1-2 second pause at the crease—completely dismantled the USA’s rhythm. Tariq finished with clinical figures of 3/27, effectively killing the chase. However, the “mystery” element has drawn heavy fire from critics who label the deliberate pause as “deceptive” and “unfair.”
Key Features of Usman Tariq’s Action:
The Stutter: A short, uneven run-up that prevents batters from settling.
The Pause: A deliberate 1-2 second halt just before the delivery stride.
The Release: A low, sling-arm trajectory similar to Lasith Malinga, generating skidding pace.
Football Comparison: Shreevats Goswami vs. R. Ashwin
The controversy reached a fever pitch when former India U-19 star Shreevats Goswami compared the action to football’s “paradinha” penalty style, which FIFA banned in 2010 (and further restricted in 2019).
“Even football doesn’t allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this okay?” Goswami posted on X. “Action—all good. But pause? That too while loading to deliver. This can’t be continued.”
Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin was quick to defend the Pakistani bowler, pointing out a glaring double standard in cricket’s laws regarding “fairness.”
“Agree football doesn’t allow it! But while the batter can switch-hit or reverse without informing the umpire, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler?” Ashwin countered. He argued that as long as the arm extension is within the 15-degree limit, the “pause” is a legitimate tactical innovation.
Legal or Illegal? The Biomechanical Verdict
This isn’t the first time Tariq has been under the scanner. He was reported twice during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but on both occasions, he was cleared by ICC-accredited labs.
| Factor | Status |
| Elbow Extension | Measured within the legal 15-degree limit. |
| Medical History | Tariq cites a past injury/biological condition for his “natural bend.” |
| Umpire Standing | Former Elite Panel umpire Anil Chaudhary has labeled the action “fair.” |
Tariq himself has been vocal about his unique anatomy, stating, “I have two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten. It’s a biological issue, not a technical one.”
What’s Next for the “X-Factor”?
With Pakistan set to face India on February 15, the timing of this debate adds a layer of psychological warfare to the tournament’s biggest rivalry. Critics argue the ICC must close the “pause” loophole, while supporters believe Tariq represents the next evolution of T20 mystery spin.
For now, the ICC has given no indication of a rule change mid-tournament. As long as the lab results hold, Usman Tariq remains Pakistan’s most potent—and polarizing—weapon in their quest for the 2026 title.
Read More News
USA Issues High-Stakes “Warning” to Pakistan Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Match
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026: Boycott U-Turn Likely After Crisis Talks
USA Issues High-Stakes “Warning” to Pakistan Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Match
