Just days before the big India vs Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq was targeted by the former Indian batter Aakash Chopra. He has asked the ICC to closely look at Usman Tariq’s bowling action, especially his quicker deliveries.
India and Pakistan are set to face each other in Colombo on February 15 in a high-voltage Group A match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Men in Green are coming into this much-awaited clash with confidence after beating the USA by 32 runs.
Aakash Chopra raises red flag over Usman Tariq’s speed jump
In that match, Usman Tariq played a key role as the spinner picked up three wickets for 27 runs in four overs and helped Pakistan defend a strong total of 191 with the USA bowling out for 158 for 8. However, Tariq did not play in Pakistan’s three-wicket win over the Netherlands.
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But the much-talked-about spinner was brought into the team for the USA game, and he made an instant impact by dismissing Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, and Mohammad Mohsin of the USA. After the match, Chopra has raised concerns about the way Tariq bowls his faster balls.
The well-known cricket pandit has pointed out that while Tariq’s slower deliveries look fine and within the rules, his quicker balls need ICC’s attention. Tariq has a unique style. He almost pauses before delivering the ball. That pause is legal. But Chopra questioned how a bowler can suddenly increase pace by 20 to 30 kmph without a proper run-up or follow-through.
ICC will have to pay a little attention, says Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Regarding Usman Tariq’s action, whoever is seeing him for the first time might be wondering where he has come from, that this is not the way, as he stops. It seems like he came to bowl, you paused him, then you pressed the play button, and he bowled. Pausing is absolutely okay. It’s legal; there is no problem. When he bowls slow, a floater that goes out and a slow off-break, all of that is legit.”
Chopra further added, “However, one thing came to my mind. I watched his action closely. The ball he bowls is 20-30 kph quicker; how will you bowl fast if you neither have a run-up nor a follow-through? Think and tell me. If I have to bowl fast suddenly, I will have to do this (chuck). I feel the ICC will have to pay a little attention. They might have to check the faster ball.”
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Pakistan’s Colombo advantage could trouble India: Chopra
Meanwhile, Chopra believes that Pakistan could go with a spin-heavy attack against India. They have several spin options like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq, along with Saim Ayub, who can also bowl spin. The conditions in Colombo are expected to support spin bowling, and that could help Pakistan’s plan.
The former Indian batter also feels Pakistan’s familiarity with conditions in Colombo, where they have been for more than two weeks and played two games so far in the tournament, will help them in the big game against India on February 15 at the same venue.
Chopra signed off by saying, “They are quite decent. I won’t say it’s a world-beating spin unit, but if the conditions suit them, they are the ones who can actually trouble you a little. These are actually spin-friendly pitches. These are not six-hitting grounds. That actually helps Pakistan.”
