Is Pakistan protecting ‘chucker’ Usman Tariq from ICC ban ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup clash?

by
Usman Tariq of Pakistan

Pakistan’s off-spinner Usman Tariq has been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but he was not picked for the three-match T20I series opener against Australia on Thursday, January 29, in Lahore.

Usman Tariq’s surprising omission has now been seen as an intentional move by the Pakistan cricket team management to keep him safe for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, especially for the big game against India. If the off-spinner gets exposed, he might be banned by the match officials.

And Pakistan will certainly not want their key bowler to be banned ahead of the prestigious tournament that will be played in India and Sri Lanka, where spinners hold the key.

Usman Tariq’s Controversial History

Tariq has been accused many times of chucking, which is an illegal bowling action. The Pakistani bowler’s unusual style catches attention every time he bowls. His arm comes from the side, and there is a clear stop just before he releases the ball.

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To the spectators, it feels like his elbow bends and straightens more than it should. Because of this look, fans, commentators, and even some international players have accused Tariq of chucking. England batter Tom Banton recently raised doubts publicly during the ILT20.

The spinner was first reported during the Pakistan Super League in March 2024. He was sent for testing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The tests checked how much his elbow straightens during delivery. Within a few days, the results came back clean, and he was allowed to continue bowling.

Again, during the PSL in April 2025, Tariq’s action was reported for the second time, and he went through the same biomechanical tests. And once again, the officials found nothing wrong.

Currently, Tariq is free to bowl, but there is a risk ahead. If his action gets reported a third time this season, having already been reported in the PSL and ILT20, the Pakistani bowler could be stopped from bowling immediately. In that case, he would need clearance from an ICC-approved lab before returning to bowl again.

The Controversial Preservation of Pakistan’s Mystery Spinner Usman Tariq

Tariq has been under the scanner for a long time because of his unusual bowling action. Even though he has been cleared twice after official testing, the doubts around him have never really gone away. Every time he bowls, the talk of chucking returns, and critics keep a close eye on his elbow.

But how carefully Pakistan seems to be handling him has now raised eyebrows. Tariq was not picked for the recent white-ball series against Sri Lanka, even though he was fit and available.

Yet again, the off-spinner was not picked for the first T20I against Australia in Lahore despite these games being crucial for the Pakistan team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

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Pakistan Saving The Secret Weapon For India Clash in T20 World Cup 2026

Tariq’s absence has led to strong speculation that Pakistan is trying to protect him from being reported again. Many believe Pakistan is carefully protecting one of its mystery bowlers so he stays available for the big India clash at the T20 World Cup 2026.

Fans are pointing out that the bowler is being rested or kept away from the recent matches. The fear is that if he plays regularly before the mega event, ICC umpires might report his bowling action again. One more report could lead to a ban, and Pakistan does not want that before the World Cup.