A new country and a different set of umpires could bring additional attention to Usman Tariq. However, as the late-blooming mystery spinner from Pakistan gears up for his debut in the T20 Blast, he expresses his openness to addressing questions about his bowling action.
At 30 years old, Tariq has joined the Bears for the Blast and will also play for Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred, marking a notable ascent in his career. After spending his early twenties working in a car-parts business in Dubai, he was inspired by a biopic about India’s MS Dhoni and made the decision to chase his cricketing aspirations.
His efforts have already shown dividends, with a debut in the Pakistan Super League in 2024 leading to global opportunities and nine T20 international caps for his nation. However, along the way, he has faced two rounds of testing regarding a bowling action that stands out as unique.
“I’ve encountered many critics,” says Tariq, who has recently settled into Edgbaston. “People warned me that moving to the UK would present challenges, particularly regarding my action, and that umpires could be quite strict.”
“I told them, ‘I want to confront this head-on. If they believe my action has issues, I’m prepared to undergo lab testing.’ I was inspired by Muttiah Muralitharan, who invited scrutiny to demonstrate his legality as a bowler. I share a similar attitude.”
To date, Tariq has been tested twice, receiving quick clearance without being flagged for illegal flexion. Despite this, social media often buzzes with commentary about his bowling, and Australian player Cameron Green has made pointed remarks about his action. Like Muralitharan, Tariq’s inability to fully straighten his right arm creates an appearance of throwing.
Tariq was born with an elbow joint that resembles two elbows placed side by side. This unique anatomy, along with his exceptionally long fingers, enhances his ability to spin the ball effectively. Using these attributes, he has developed “around six” different types of deliveries, including a tricky carrom ball. His varied release points, including a low, side-arm throw reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, keep batters guessing.
Tariq’s first match for Warwickshire will be at Gloucestershire on Friday as the T20 Blast begins. This year, the tournament has seen some structural changes, including a reduction in group matches and new inter-group fixtures. The Blast will now run directly into an earlier Finals Day at Edgbaston on July 18, with the women’s tournament running concurrently.
