Green’s gesture sparks renewed spotlight on Tariq’s action
A dominant 90-run victory for Pakistan over Australia in the second T20I in Lahore was overshadowed by controversy when Australian all-rounder Cameron Green appeared to mock Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action. After being dismissed for 35 in the 11th over, Green gestured a baseball-style throw while walking off, seemingly implying that Tariq was “chucking.”
The moment reignited debate over Tariq’s unconventional action — an issue that has followed the spinner since his emergence on the T20 circuit. However, it was Usman Khawaja’s reaction the following day that turned the conversation in a different direction.
Khawaja calls for perspective and respect
Speaking on Instagram, Khawaja came out strongly in support of Tariq, condemning the stigma attached to being labeled a “chucker.”
“Spot on. There aren’t many things worse than being called a ‘chucker’ in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions,” Usman Khawaja wrote on his Instagram Story.
The statement reflected Khawaja’s belief that criticism of Tariq was premature and unwarranted, especially given the bowler’s history of clearance from formal investigations into his action.
Salman Ali Agha says on-field judgment isn’t Green’s job
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also weighed in on the controversy during his post-match press conference, questioning the appropriateness of Green’s gesture.
“It’s not his job, it’s the responsibility of the match referee and the umpires,” Salman Ali Agha told reporters on Sunday.
His remarks underscored the fact that official review mechanisms already exist for assessing suspect actions, and that players should not pre-empt them on the field.
Tariq defends his action amid long-standing criticism
Usman Tariq, who finished with 2-16 in that second T20I, has faced questions about his bowling style since his early days in professional cricket. But he remains consistent in his defense, citing a biological condition that affects the structure of his arm.
“There are two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten fully,” Usman Tariq said during the ILT20 to The National.
That structural abnormality has been the basis for scrutiny, but also the explanation behind his distinctive action. The right-arm spinner has now been cleared twice through official biomechanical testing and has never been required to alter his technique.
“Whenever spinners face allegations of chucking, they often modify their action after lab tests. I’ve undergone two official tests in Pakistan, and my action was cleared. I didn’t have to change anything because I know I’m not throwing,” he said during the same interview.
Tariq has spoken about the physical aspects of his delivery in the past as well. In an earlier conversation with MYK Sports, he explained, “I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally.”
He added, “I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”
Lab results backed Tariq’s confidence in his action
Beyond his own explanation, Tariq has relied on medical evaluations to affirm his legitimacy as a bowler. Speaking to The National about his testing experience, he said, “When I went for the test, within one week, it was cleared. I didn’t get the answer that you have to change your action, or improve the degrees. I was confident about my action because I know that I am not throwing.”
Tariq’s most recent tests, conducted at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy, were part of official PSL reviews after his action was reported in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In both cases, he was cleared and allowed to continue bowling.
A message to critics: Learn before judging
The scrutiny has taken its toll, and Tariq hasn’t been shy about addressing the criticism head-on — particularly the uninformed commentary he believes often accompanies these debates.
“I would love to give a message on this platform that every single person who is commenting on these things, they should study first about cricket, then they should go for the allegations,” he said to The National during the ILT20.
He continued, “If you don’t have knowledge about cricket and you are just commenting or sharing your thoughts, then illiteracy can kill knowledge.”
“It is better to have knowledge, then after you can comment on anyone,” he concluded.
Tariq’s record builds, but doubts linger
Despite the controversy, Tariq has quietly built an impressive record. Since his T20I debut in late 2025, he has claimed eight wickets at an average of 7.50 and an economy of just 5.62. His performances in the ILT20 and PSL have earned him a reputation as a tricky spinner with a unique style — but also a target of suspicion, especially from opposition players.
The third and final T20I between Pakistan and Australia was played on Sunday, with Pakistan continuing their dominant run. The hosts posted 207 for 6 before bowling out Australia for just 96, securing a massive 111-run win and a 3–0 series sweep. Mohammad Nawaz starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul. Usman Tariq did not feature in the match, but the conversation surrounding his bowling action and the broader issue of unconventional spinners remains very much alive — raising questions about perception, regulation, and fairness in modern cricket.
