Dhoni’s Inspiration Fuels Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq’s Rise

Usman Tariq, Pakistan’s enigmatic off-spinner, is poised to be a game-changer in the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash on Sunday at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. With his distinctive stop-and-pause side-arm action, Tariq has claimed 11 wickets in just four T20Is at an economy under six, showcasing his prowess on slow pitches. His overall T20 record of 70 wickets in 42 games highlights his potential to trouble India’s top-order batsmen, as seen in his dominant display against USA in the recent tournament.

Tariq’s Journey from Dubai Salesman to Cricketer

The 28-year-old’s path to stardom was reignited by MS Dhoni’s biopic in 2016, after he had abandoned cricket dreams while working as a salesman in Dubai. “I had left behind the idea of making a name in cricket, but one day I watched this film, and it convinced me that I can also do the same,” Tariq told AFP. His breakthrough came in the Caribbean Premier League, where he snared 20 wickets, leading to a Pakistan call-up during his wedding. “My coach informed me about my selection… initially I thought it was a prank,” he recalled, crediting his wife for the good fortune.

Debate Over Tariq’s Unique Bowling Action

Tariq’s action has sparked controversy, with former England captain Kevin Pietersen labeling the pause “illegal.” However, Indian spinner R. Ashwin defends it as legal, urging ICC to use real-time testing for the 15-degree elbow rule. “Judging this in real time by an on-field umpire is impossible,” Ashwin noted on X, emphasizing the need for in-competition tools. Ashwin argues the pause is part of Tariq’s natural action, allowing him to exploit a grey area without violating rules. As Pakistan fields him sparingly, Tariq’s role could prove pivotal on the sluggish Colombo track.