Regarding the recent debacle surrounding Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin shocked everyone by posting in support of the Pakistan spinner. Ravichandran Ashwin, however, seemed to be more attracted by his true emotions as a bowler than by being an Indian; hence, his remarks were skewed towards the bowling fraternity rather than targeting Tariq specifically.

Pakistan wanted a spin-heavy attack in the ICC T20 World Cup, so head coach Mike Hessen spent months searching for the perfect spin deck. Usman Tariq, who suddenly became a star in Pakistan, was considered a unique spinner and was picked from the shortlist of PSL and ILT20 leagues.

Tariq is an off-spinner with a very unique action that often causes varying degrees of trouble to batsmen. He made his debut for Pakistan in 2025 against South Africa in Lahore and was named in the T20 World Cup squad shortly after three games.

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Ravichandran Ashwin once again defends Pakistan spinner

Spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action was very strange as he paused briefly to change momentum before releasing the ball. Many consider this, along with his arm movement, to be inconsistent. However, legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came forward to defend the new sensation of spin bowling.

Former RCB player and India wicket-keeper batsman Shreevats Goswami has sought the attention of the international committee over the seemingly illegal bowling action of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq. He said timeouts are no longer allowed in football now during penalty shootouts, so how could timeouts be allowed when a bowler is running up?

Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t seem happy with the remark as he defended all bowlers who often claim not to be adequately helped by the rules of the game. He said:

“Agreed, football doesn’t allow that! While a batsman can change the batting or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, why is the restriction limited to the bowler only after he/she commits to start batting on one side? “

“In fact, a bowler is not allowed to change his/her bowling arm without informing the umpire! They should change this rule first,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.

Agree football doesn’t allow this!

While a batsman can switch batting or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, why is the restriction limited to the bowler only after he/she commits to start batting on one side?

In fact, bowlers are not allowed to change… https://t.co/AOV4OKhwcL

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin said: “Whether it is stuck can only be determined by the ICC Test Centre.”

The spinner was also found to be inconsistent with his controversial arm action besides taking long pauses before bowling. This comes after Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was spotted for the first time highlighting the significant difference.

Tariq is suspected of “ball-hugging”, a common accusation against cricket bowlers who are said to extend their elbows more than 15 degrees while delivering the ball. ICC norms consider this behavior illegal as it provides unfair speed or spin on the ball.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s only comment on this was that verification and verification by the ICC was just a matter of time; until then, no one could be charged. “Whether it is stuck or not can only be clarified by the ICC testing centre,” Ashwin tweeted.

Whether the chuck or not can only be clarified by the icc test center.

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026

Usman Tariq – the new spin sensation from Pakistan

The man who is not good at spin is an enigma in his own right. The Pakistan spinner has an odd movement and odd release point, and he often threatens the opposition batsmen with his variations and the steady bounce he generates from the surface.

However, the spinner has played only 4 T20I matches so far but has already scored 11 wickets and took his best figures of 4/18 against Zimbabwe. His other bowling performances include 2/26 on debut against South Africa, 2/16 against Australia and 3/27 on debut against the United States in the T20 World Cup.

He will also be a major threat for the Indian team when they take on Pakistan on a spin-friendly track at the R.Premadasa Stadium.

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