Mumbai Indians star accuses Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq of chucking during ILT20 Qualifier 1

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Tom Banton and Usman Tariq at ILT20

A major chucking controversy has overshadowed the ILT20 2025-26 playoffs after MI Emirates batter Tom Banton publicly accused Desert Vipers’ spinner Usman Tariq of an illegal bowling action during the tense Qualifier 1 clash on December 30 in Abu Dhabi.

Chucking Storm Erupts in ILT20: Mumbai Indians’ Tom Banton Accuses Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq

Tom Banton accused Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq of chucking during ILT20 Qualifier 1 between MI Emirates and Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The incident unfolded on the 12th when Tariq removed Banton.

The English star’s dismissal played a key role in ending MI Emirates’ dream of making it to the ILT20 final, as they now have to try their luck in Qualifier 2 to have any chance of a Qualifier 1 rematch.

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The Incident: The Dismissal That Sparked the Row

Banton was dismantling the attack aggressively with a blistering 63 off 27 balls, but Tariq managed to get him out, and the wicket was a big moment in the match at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Tariq bowled a slow ball that was not very full and was wide outside the off stump.

It looked like a carrom-style delivery, and Banton tried to play a pull shot, but he did not time it well. The ball went high in the air toward the long-off area, where the Desert Vipers captain, Sam Curran, took a brilliant catch to end another English star’s stay.

Tom Banton’s Explosive Accusation in the Heat of Battle

Usman Tariq celebrated the wicket aggressively, showing his excitement and joy during Qualifier 1 in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Banton was visibly heard shouting, “Throwing the ball!” repeatedly towards the bowler, a direct accusation of chucking.

Now, it remains to be seen whether the umpires react to Banton’s claim and take action against Tariq. There is no official word on the incident yet.

What is chucking?

In cricket, “chucking” means a bowler bends and straightens their elbow too much while bowling the ball. Instead of bowling with a straight arm, it becomes more like throwing the ball.

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The rules allow only a very small elbow bend, up to 15 degrees. If the elbow straightens more than that, it is illegal because it helps the bowler get extra speed or extra spin, which is unfair.

The match officials can declare it a no-ball if they spot it, and then the bowler is sent for the ICC tests to check their action. If the action is found to be illegal and not fixed, the bowler can be banned from bowling in matches until it is corrected.

MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers Match Brief

Andries Gous (120) smashed a brilliant century as Desert Vipers posted 233/1, and that proved too much for the MI Emirates as they suffered a 45-run defeat in ILT20 Qualifier 1. Chasing 234, MI Emirates managed 188/7 despite Banton’s 63. Debutant Usman Tariq starred with three wickets, sealing Vipers’ place in the ILT20 Final.