Controversy overshadows dominant Pakistan series win
Pakistan’s emphatic 3–0 T20I series sweep over Australia was not just defined by dominance with bat and ball — it was also marked by a fresh controversy that has reignited cricket’s long-running debate over illegal bowling actions.
In the second T20I at Lahore, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was visibly furious after being dismissed by Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq for 35 off 20 balls. After skying a catch to point, Green walked back toward the dugout and appeared to make a bowling gesture — mimicking a “chucking” action — caught on live television.
Cameron Green after getting out was clearly indicating the straightening of usman tariq arm while bowling. Ffs ICC ban him he is chucking it is clearly against the rules of the game pic.twitter.com/lRwpINfDP9
— Mustafa (@mustafamasood0) January 31, 2026
The moment sparked a large number of reactions across social media and cricket circles, many of whom weighed in on the legality of Tariq’s action, which has previously been scrutinized during domestic competitions.
Despite the noise, there was no official complaint filed during the match, and Tariq completed his spell without interruption.
Green criticised for on-field gesture
While some viewers sympathized with Green’s reaction, others were less forgiving. On the broadcast itself, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja criticized the Australian’s conduct:
“Well, you have to got to deal with it. It’s as simple as that. That is the wrong way of looking at things,” he said.
Tariq, unfazed by the chatter, turned to humor. In an Instagram Story shortly after the match, he posted a meme of a crying boy with the caption:
“After getting out.”
Social media erupts in both support and criticism
Opinions were sharply divided online. Some users attacked Green, suggesting his gesture came from frustration rather than genuine concern. Others defended his stance, voicing strong opinions about Tariq’s bowling style.
Cricket broadcaster Paul Dennett, however, urged restraint, writing on X:
“Usman Tariq deserves better. His action has twice been tested – and cleared. Today should be a day to celebrate contributing to a win, not getting blasted on social media. Cricket needs to handle this issue better. And people need to stop being cruel.”
Usman Tariq deserves better.
His action has twice been tested – and cleared.
Today should be a day to celebrate contributing to a win – not getting blasted on social media.
Cricket needs to handle this issue better. And people need to stop being cruel. #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/7gjubWCT9V
— Paul Dennett (@PaulDennett_) February 1, 2026
Tariq’s action has history — but remains cleared
Usman Tariq’s unorthodox action has previously been reported — during the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Pakistan Super League — but on both occasions, he passed biomechanical testing at ICC-accredited centers and was cleared to bowl.
Despite repeated doubts, including a recent instance during the ILT20, no official suspension has ever been enforced. As per ICC regulations, a bowling action is deemed illegal if the elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees from horizontal to release. Tariq’s action, while unconventional, has passed all formal assessments.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup
With a clean sweep secured, Pakistan now shift focus to the T20 World Cup, beginning February 7. While the cricketing momentum is clearly in their favor, the aftermath of Green’s gesture and the renewed scrutiny on bowling actions ensures the buildup to the tournament will be anything but quiet.
