Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Daryl Mitchell in the ongoing Pakistan Super League debate over Usman Tariq’s unusual bowling action, saying the New Zealand batter was right to pull out when the pause in Tariq’s delivery became disruptive. The controversy unfolded during Quetta Gladiators’ chase against Rawalpindiz on Friday, April 10, when Mitchell found himself at the crease against Tariq in the ninth over.

The spinner’s action, which includes a noticeable pause before release, appeared to unsettle the batter’s rhythm. Mitchell stepped away twice during that pause, prompting the umpire to step in and restore order.

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Ravichandran Ashwin felt the issue should be handled more clearly by the officials before a match begins. “Now it’s upto the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery,” he wrote on X. “If the pause isn’t consistent, then the batter has every right to move away. The captains & opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done Mitchell.”

Now it’s upto the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery.

If the pause ⌚️ isn’t consistent, then the batter has every right to move away.

The captains & opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins.… https://t.co/16dreiVxlL

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

He later expanded on his view after responding to a fan, stressing that both players were within their rights. “Mitchell is right. So is Tariq,” Ashwin added. “The timing of the pause should be timed to see if he delays it ball to ball.”

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Despite the on-field tension, Quetta Gladiators made light work of the chase, cruising to a 61-run win in Karachi after dismissing Rawalpindi for 121. Mitchell scored 30 off 32 balls, while Tariq finished with two wickets for 23 runs in his four-over spell.

The result moved Quetta Gladiators up to fifth in the PSL standings with two wins from five matches, while Rawalpindi are still waiting for their first victory of the season.