Who is Usman Tariq? The bowler with the unusual action facing India in T20 World Cup 2026

The Indian cricket team and its supporters are witnessing Usman Tariq for the first time as India take on Pakistan in the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup Group A encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday (February 15). Although this is their first face-off of 2026, India and Pakistan are no strangers to each other.

Usman Tariq has grabbed plenty of attention in the build-up to the match, largely because of his distinctive bowling action. The 28-year-old was not included in Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad and made his international debut later in a T20I against South Africa in November. Since then, he has featured in four T20Is and picked up 11 wickets in his brief career so far.

Tariq is an off-spinner, but his bowling action is anything but conventional. Two elements of his style have triggered discussion. The first is his sling-like action, which has led to questions about whether it complies fully with ICC regulations. The second—and more talked-about aspect—is the prolonged pause he takes just before releasing the ball, a move that can disturb a batter’s trigger movement and rhythm.


Tariq himself has explained the unusual movement this way: “I have two elbows in my arm… my arm bends naturally. It’s just a physical trait.”

Whether literal or figurative, that explanation has done little to calm the curiosity around his method.

Meanwhile, Usman was reported on two occasions for a suspect bowling action during the Pakistan Super League. However, he later underwent testing at ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratories and was cleared to continue bowling. Tariq has also reiterated that he successfully passed the assessments and is eligible to bowl in international cricket.

As India and Pakistan face off in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Group A points table scenario is crucial for Super Four/Super Eight qualification.

Current Context (Group A)
Both teams are fighting to stay unbeaten.
A win here almost guarantees qualification.

If India Win
India move to 6 points (virtually qualified).
Pakistan remain on 4 points and must win their final match.

If Pakistan Win
Pakistan climb to 6 points (nearly qualified).
India stay on 4 points, making their last game a must-win.