Just days ahead of India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has been targeted by former India batsman Akash Chopra. He asked the ICC to keep a close eye on Usman Tariq’s bowling action, especially his faster deliveries.

India and Pakistan will meet in Colombo in an intense Group A match of the 2026 T20 World Cup on February 15. The Men in Green will head into the long-awaited match with confidence after defeating Team USA by 32 points.

Aakash Chopra warns about 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 the title with a strong 191 runs while the United States were bowled out for 158 for 8 runs. However, Tariq did not feature in Pakistan’s wicket win over Netherlands.

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But the much-talked-about spinner was brought in to play against the United States and he made an immediate impact by dismissing Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singhand Mohammad Mohsin of the United States. After the match, Chopra expressed concerns about the way Tariq was hitting the ball faster.

Renowned cricket experts pointed out that while Tariq’s slower delivery looked good and was within the rules, his faster ball required ICC attention. Tariq has a unique style. He almost stopped before passing the ball. This suspension is legal. But Chopra questioned how the bowlers could suddenly increase their speed by 20 to 30 kmph without a proper run-up or follow-up.

Aakash Chopra says ICC must pay attention

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “For Usman Tariq Tariq’s action, whoever sees him for the first time, probably wonders where he’s coming from, it’s not the right way, because it’s like he comes to pitch and you hit the play button and he throws it. It’s absolutely legal; there’s no problem when he’s throwing a slow ball, a slow breaking ball.”

Chopra further added, “However, one thing came to my mind. I watched his movements carefully. He bowled 20-30 kmph faster; if you have neither run-up nor follow-through, how do you bowl fast? Think about it and tell me. If I am suddenly going to bowl fast, I will have to do that (Chuck). I feel the ICC has to pay attention a little bit. They may have to check for faster balls.”

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Chopra: Pakistan’s Colombo advantage could spell trouble for India

At the same time, Chopra believes that Pakistan may launch a fierce attack on India. They have several spin options like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abra AhmedUsman Tariq and Saim Ayub who is also good at spin bowling. Conditions in Colombo are expected to support spin bowling, which could help Pakistan’s plans.

The former India batsman also feels that Pakistan, who have been in Colombo for over two weeks and played two games in the tournament, are familiar with the conditions in Colombo, which will help them in the big game against India on February 15 at the same venue.

Chopra concluded: “They are pretty good. I wouldn’t say it’s a world-class spin unit, but if the conditions are right for them, they can actually cause you some trouble. These are actually spin-friendly pitches. These are not six-batting pitches. That will actually help Pakistan.”