PSL 2026: Usman Tariq has quickly become one of the most talked-about bowlers in world cricket, and a big reason for that is his unusual action. The off-spinner uses a stop-and-pause, side-arm technique that really throws batters off. It breaks their rhythm and makes it hard to read what’s coming next.
His style grabbed global attention during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. While some people admired how effective it was, others weren’t so sure, questioning whether it gave him an unfair advantage.
R Ashwin’s Early Advice
Even before India faced Pakistan in that tournament, Ravichandran Ashwin had already suggested a way to handle Tariq’s approach. He advised batters to simply step away from their stance whenever Tariq paused during his run-up, using the rules to their benefit.
At the time, Indian players didn’t try that tactic. But New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell later put it into action during a Pakistan Super League 2026 match between Quetta Gladiators and Pinidz in Karachi on April 10.
R Ashwin Praises Mitchell’s Move Against Usman Tariq
Mitchell’s decision created quite a buzz, and Ashwin didn’t hold back in appreciating it.
“Now it’s up to 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 and opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done, Mitchell,” wrote Ashwin on X.
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
Usman Tariq’s Reaction
With the discussion picking up pace, Tariq also shared his thoughts on social media, and he did it with a bit of humor.
“Unsporting Conduct (Foul Play): If the batter does this continuously to deliberately distract the bowler or waste time, it can be deemed unfair play. The umpire has the discretion to warn the batter, and if it continues, issue a penalty (usually 5 penalty runs to the fielding side).”
“Happy to hear 5 penalty runs. Keep it up,” he added as a commentary.
Legal or Not? The Ongoing Debate
Interestingly, Ashwin himself had once tried using a pause in his own bowling action earlier in his career. However, it was ruled illegal because it was seen as a deliberate attempt to distract the batter under the MCC’s Laws of Cricket.
Tariq’s case is a bit different. His pause is considered a natural part of his action rather than a trick, and so far, it has been allowed. Still, with growing attention and mixed opinions, it’s clear this discussion is far from over.
