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LAHORE: A fresh debate has erupted around the bowling action of Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq after Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture widely interpreted as an accusation of “chucking” during the second T20I in Lahore.
The moment occurred right after Green’s dismissal in Tariq’s very first over of the match.
Green, who looked in control during his stay at the crease, was dismissed for 35 when Shadab Khan completed a catch off Tariq’s delivery, giving Pakistan a crucial breakthrough at a key stage of the innings.
However, what followed quickly became the bigger talking point.
As Green walked back to the pavilion, broadcast cameras caught him making a gesture that many fans and social media users interpreted as suggesting an illegal bowling action, commonly referred to as “throwing” or “chucking.”
While the incident has drawn widespread attention, it is not the first time Tariq’s action has come under scrutiny.
The spinner has previously faced questions over his bowling mechanics and was reported for a suspected action during PSL 9 and PSL 10.
On both occasions, Usman Tariq underwent official testing at the PCB-accredited biomechanics lab and was subsequently cleared, with his action declared legal.
In earlier remarks while addressing the controversy, Tariq had maintained that his bowling falls within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow extension limit, explaining that the structure of his elbow naturally prevents him from fully straightening his arm, a factor which, he said, can sometimes lead to misconceptions about his release.
Tariq also stressed that whenever a spinner is accused of throwing, the most appropriate response is to undergo lab testing and correct the action if required.
He revealed he has already completed two official tests in Pakistan, both of which cleared him without the need for any changes.
“I was confident from the beginning that I don’t throw the ball,” Tariq had said, while urging critics to better understand the sport before making allegations.
