Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq has opened up about the advice he received from West Indies spinner Sunil Narine during the scrutiny over his unorthodox bowling action.
Tariq, who made his international debut against South Africa in a home T20I series last year after impressing for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has attracted attention for his unconventional bowling action.
The 28-year-old has faced questions over the legality of his action, with England batter Tom Banton and Australia all-rounder Cameron Green appearing to make “throwing” gestures during separate matches.
Under the ICC’s playing regulations, a bowler’s arm is permitted to straighten by up to 15 degrees during delivery. Tariq has maintained that his action complies with the regulations, attributing its appearance to the natural shape of his elbow.
Earlier this year, during the ILT20, Tariq explained that the structure of his elbow prevents him from fully straightening his arm.
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The off-spinner also came under scrutiny in sections of the Indian media before Pakistan’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, with reports claiming he was being rested from earlier matches to preserve him for the high-profile fixture.
However, Tariq was included in Pakistan’s XI for the second T20I against Australia before the World Cup and went on to feature in the tournament.
Speaking to former Pakistan batter Fawad Alam, Tariq said Narine contacted him during the controversy surrounding his bowling action and encouraged him to ignore the criticism and remain focused on his cricket.
“Sunil Narine called me, and we spoke for almost 30 minutes. He told me, ‘Whatever these people are doing, don’t respond to them. They’re only doing this because they can’t pick you. Just keep doing what you’re doing’.”
Tariq has been reported for a suspect bowling action twice during his career but was cleared on both occasions. Most recently, he was cleared by an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory after undergoing testing in which he bowled 24 deliveries.
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