Australia batter Tim David recently questioned the bowling action of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq after being dismissed by him during a men’s Hundred match. David, playing for Trent Rockets against Birmingham Phoenix, edged a delivery to the wicketkeeper. Following his dismissal, he appeared to signal to the umpire that the delivery should have been called a no-ball, seemingly due to Tariq’s bowling action. David also instinctively gestured for a review before deciding against it. The umpire did not uphold the appeal, and David subsequently walked off the field.
This incident marks David as the latest batter to raise concerns about Tariq’s bowling. Earlier this year, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green also appeared to question Tariq’s action during the second T20I against Pakistan. After being dismissed by the spinner, Green mimicked a baseball-style throwing motion, referencing Tariq’s bowling action. Tariq later responded to Green’s gesture with a post on Instagram stories, featuring a video of a young boy crying with the caption: “After getting out..”
Bowling Action Under Scrutiny
Tariq’s bowling action has been under continuous scrutiny for some time. During the 2024 Pakistan Super League, umpires Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth reported him for a suspect bowling action to the match referee. His action was reported again by on-field umpires during the 2025 PSL. Despite these reports and the on-field criticism, Usman Tariq has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to MCC Law 21.2, a delivery is considered fair if the ball is not thrown. This law specifies that once the bowler’s arm reaches shoulder level during the delivery swing, the elbow must not partially or completely straighten before the ball leaves the hand. The striker’s-end umpire holds the primary responsibility for judging the fairness of a delivery, although the bowler’s-end umpire can also call a no-ball if they believe the ball has been thrown.
David’s gestures indicated his belief that Tariq’s action did not comply with this law and therefore should have resulted in a no-ball. However, none of the umpires found any issues with Tariq’s action during the match, deeming it a fair delivery. Additionally, Clause 41.4 of MCC’s laws addresses any “deliberate attempt to distract a batter.” If an umpire determines such an attempt has been made, they are required to immediately call and signal a dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
Tariq’s Explanation for His Action
Tariq has previously addressed the questions surrounding his unusual action, attributing it to his physical structure. In an interview with MYK Sports in April 2025, he explained that his action is unique because his body dimensions are unique, stating that his body frame is not like that of a common person. He further elaborated, “I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”
This explanation from Tariq highlights the ongoing discussion and debate surrounding his bowling technique. Despite the repeated scrutiny and on-field reactions from opposing batters, the ICC has cleared his action, allowing him to continue playing. The incident during the men’s Hundred match on Friday adds another instance to the public questioning of his bowling style.
The continuous scrutiny of Tariq’s action by players and umpires, contrasted with his clearance by the ICC and his personal explanation, underscores the complexities involved in judging bowling legality in cricket.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
