Is Usman Tariq bowling action legal? That question has dominated cricket conversations after the Pakistan spinner’s dismissal of Cameron Green triggered fresh “Usman Tariq chucking” allegations during the recent T20I series against Australia.
Green’s animated reaction on his way back to the pavilion reignited debate around Usman Tariq bowling action reported claims, with social media users even speculating about a possible Usman Tariq ban. But is there any substance to the controversy — or is this simply another case of an unusual action being mistaken for an illegal one?
Let’s break it down.
Why Did Cameron Green React to Usman Tariq’s Action?
The controversy began when Tariq, a prominent member of Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026, dismissed Green during the third T20I. As Green walked off, he gestured with his arm, appearing to suggest that Tariq was “throwing” the ball.
That gesture quickly fueled online chatter around Usman Tariq chucking, with clips of his slingy, low side-arm release circulating widely. The debate intensified because Tariq’s action features two elements that look unconventional: a pronounced pause at the crease and a bent bowling arm.
However, visual suspicion does not automatically mean illegality — and that distinction is crucial when asking, is Usman Tariq action legal?
Has Usman Tariq Been Reported or Banned Before?
Tariq has never been banned from bowling in international cricket. So, is Usman Tariq bowling action legal?
His action has, however, come under scrutiny before. During the 2024 and 2025 Pakistan Super League seasons, he was reported by match officials and subsequently underwent biomechanical testing in ICC-accredited laboratories in Pakistan.
On both occasions, he was cleared.
Under ICC regulations, a bowling action is considered illegal only if a player’s elbow extends by more than 15 degrees during the delivery stride — measured from the point where the bowling arm reaches horizontal until the ball is released. Testing found that Tariq’s elbow extension remained within that permitted limit.
The latest controversy erupted after Cameron Green appeared to mimic Tariq’s side-arm release while walking back to the pavilion in Lahore. There has been no confirmation of any formal complaint from Australian team management or match officials following that incident.
While his action has been reported in domestic competition, it has never resulted in suspension — and there is no ban in place.
Breaking Down Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action
To understand why the debate exists around is Usman Tariq action legal, it’s worth looking at the three distinct elements of his method.
The Approach
- Standard run-up with a slight angle to the crease
- No unusual change of pace or rhythm before delivery
- Looks conventional until the final stride
The Pause at the Crease
- Noticeable stop just before release
- Disrupts a batter’s timing, especially in T20 cricket
- Legal under the laws, provided it is consistent and not deceptive in a no-ball sense
The Side-Arm Release
- Very low, slingy arm path
- Elbow appears bent, which fuels Usman Tariq chucking claims
- testing confirmed elbow extension stays within the 15-degree limit
A bent arm is not automatically illegal — only measurable straightening beyond the allowed threshold is. That is why his Usman Tariq action has previously been cleared.
This is what the ICC law says: “An Illegal Bowling Action is a bowling action where the Player’s Elbow Extension exceeds 15 degrees, measured using the Standard Analysis Protocols from the point at which the bowling arm reaches the horizontal until the point at which the ball is released. Any Elbow Hyperextension shall be discounted for the purposes of determining an Illegal Bowling Action.”
Usman Tariq Explains His ‘Two Elbows’ Remark After Being Reported in PSL
Questions around the Usman Tariq bowling action are not new. The Quetta Gladiators spinner was reported for a suspect action in both the 2024 and 2025 Pakistan Super League seasons before undergoing testing. On each occasion, his action was cleared. Is Usman Tariq bowling action legal then for sure and why is there a doubt?
Speaking to MYK Sports last year, Tariq explained why his arm position often triggers Usman Tariq chucking accusations. “My action is unique because my body dimensions are unique. My body frame is not like the common person’s,” he said.
He then addressed the elbow bend directly.
“I do have two elbows in my arm. It is natural, because of which there is bend in my arm. That was tested, and my test was cleared.”
Tariq added that what many perceive as illegal straightening is, in his view, a biological characteristic rather than a technical flaw. “Everyone feels my arm bends and all that. The bent arm is actually a biological issue.” He said the same when reacting to Cameron Green.
Despite being reported in the PSL, the process did not lead to a suspension, and laboratory analysis found his elbow extension remained within the ICC’s permitted limits. That history is central to the current debate around is Usman Tariq action legal, especially after the latest controversy involving Cameron Green.
Usman Khawaja, Indian Umpire Anil Chaudhary Back Usman Tariq’s Action
Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary publicly reviewed footage of the delivery that dismissed Green. His verdict was clear: the action is legal.
Chaudhary acknowledged that Tariq’s style is “different” and includes a visible pause, but emphasized that he delivers every ball in the same manner and that there is no measurable illegal elbow extension.
“Since 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. It is different, and he bowls with a pause, but he delivers all balls in the same way,” Chaudhary cleared.
Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja was also vocal in his support against Usman Tariq chucking claims, going on social media to defend him when his former teammate Cameron Green mocked his bowling action.
“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 on his social media.
Pakistan Skipper Salman Agha also joked that the controversy around Usman Tariq bowling action was completely unnecessary on the eve of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Salman Ali Agha said, “There is no issue with Usman Tariq’s action. All that is left now is for Usman Tariq to write around his neck, ‘I am clear.'”
Is Usman Tariq’s Pause In Bowling Legal?
This is what the ICC law specifies: “The pause before delivery has not been specifically outlawed but each incident of this nature will be judged on its merits and will be dealt with under Law 42.2. When the umpires feel that a bowler is deliberately using this tactic unfairly to distract a batsman they can rule dead ball.”
As Chaudhary explained, Usman’s pause is consistent in every delivery and hence it cannot be deemed as illegal.
So, Is Usman Tariq Action Legal Under ICC Rules?
Based on available evidence, prior testing, and expert opinion, the answer is yes.
Is Usman Tariq action legal? Yes, under current ICC regulations.
- There is no confirmed breach of the 15-degree rule.
- There is no ongoing investigation.
- There is no Usman Tariq ban in place.
The debate stems largely from aesthetics, not legality.
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