Anil Chaudhary, a respected former international umpire, has defended Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq after his bowling action became a topic of heated discussion during the recent T20 series against Australia. The flashpoint arrived when Australia’s Cameron Green, upset by his dismissal in the second T20I, made a visible gesture on live television that many interpreted as an accusation of ‘chucking’.
The moment went viral and reignited debate over Tariq’s somewhat unconventional action. Anil Chaudhary addressed those concerns directly in an Instagram video, concluding that Tariq’s action adheres to ICC guidelines.
He noted Tariq’s side-on alignment and a slight pause in the delivery stride, but emphasised consistency: “He delivers all his balls in the same manner, and in his arm, there is no bending and straightening as per the guidelines. The action is absolutely fine,” Chaudhary explained. His verdict carries weight because it references biomechanical principles rather than hearsay, and it reinforces the formal testing protocols that determine legality.
According to the Indian umpire, Usman Tariq’s bowling action is legal. #PakistanCricket #PakVsInd pic.twitter.com/cWGc9lpvVW
— Hamza (@HamzaRevelion) February 2, 2026
Support for Tariq was not limited to officials. Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja publicly urged caution and perspective, reminding observers that Tariq had already cleared biomechanical testing twice in the Pakistan Super League.
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“There aren’t many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions,” Khawaja wrote, highlighting the reputational damage such accusations can inflict.
Indeed, Tariq’s action was scrutinised on two occasions during the PSL and passed laboratory assessments both times. Those tests examine elbow flexion and the kinematics of delivery—the scientific benchmarks that settle legal disputes. Experts caution that on-field gestures and social-media speculation, while headline-making, cannot substitute for formal biomechanical evaluation and due process.
A right-arm wrist-spinner, Usman Tariq made his T20I debut in November 2025 and has fast-tracked his international rise with eight wickets in three innings. Pakistan’s selectors appear convinced by his skill set, and Tariq is expected to be part of the squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 — a stage where every action is replayed and analysed repeatedly. For now, endorsements from a respected former umpire and senior international peers have helped blunt the immediate backlash.
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Green’s reaction and the social-media furore show how quickly perceptions spread. Tariq’s route back is straightforward: continue bowling within limits and let performances answer critics. Cricket boards must respond with clear, science-based communication to safeguard the player and the sport’s integrity and public trust too.
