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Ashwin Defends Pakistan Spinner's Action, Calls ICC Testing the Only Way

Ravichandran Ashwin has defended Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq against criticism over his unconventional bowling action. Ashwin stated that the legality of any action can only be properly tested at an ICC-accredited centre, not by social media. He argued that judging the 15-degree elbow flexion rule in real-time is impossible without proper technology. The Indian off-spinner also asserted that the pause in Tariq's run-up is a legal part of his regular delivery.

Key Points: Ashwin on Pakistan Spinner's Bowling Action: ICC Test Only Way

  • Ashwin defends Tariq's action
  • Says only ICC testing can judge legality
  • Calls 15° rule a grey area
  • Labels pause in run-up as legal
2 min read

"Legalities of action can be tested at ICC centre only," says R Ashwin as Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq's action comes into question

R Ashwin defends Pakistan's Usman Tariq, says legality of bowling action can only be tested at ICC centre, calls pause in run-up legal.

"the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, February 11

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, whose bowling action has created a buzz in the cricketing circle after Pakistan's win over the USA on Tuesday.

Tariq took three wickets while conceding 27 runs as Pakistan registered their second consecutive win of the tournament. Men in Green defeated the USA by 32 runs.

The 28-year-old Tariq's bowling action includes a pause during the run-up before the delivery, and he also has a side-arm action, which creates a lot of confusion for batters and has helped him in getting wickets in the past. After the match, Tariq faced a lot of criticism on social media.

Reacting to the backlash over Tariq's action, Ashwin wrote on X, "Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre. Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15° mark by the onfield Umpire is impossible. The only solution to that is having a real time in competition testing tool. The above is a grey area and to accuse someone for utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, if the pause at the crease is legal or not, and that's where I believe that it is entirely legal, because that is his regular action."

Earlier today, former Indian domestic player Shreevats Goswami raised concerns over Tariq's bowling action. He wrote on X, "Even football doesn't allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this ok? Action - all good. But pause? That too while loading to deliver. This can't be continued seriously!"

Replying to Goswami, Ashwin wrote, "Agree football doesn't allow it! While the batter can be allowed to switch hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, after him/her commits to start batting on one side, why are the restrictions limited only to the bowler? In fact, the bowler isn't allowed to change the arm with which he/she bowls without informing the umpire! They should first change that rule."

Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in their next Group A fixture in Colombo on Sunday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I find this action very distracting and unfair to the batter. It feels like gamesmanship. But Ashwin is right—if the ICC hasn't banned it, it's legal. They need to clarify the rules or provide better tools for umpires. The grey area needs to go.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, all this talk before the India-Pakistan match is just noise. Let the player bowl. Our batters are smart enough to handle a pause. Focus should be on the game this Sunday, not on social media trials. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
Ashwin's comparison with batters allowed to switch hit is spot on! Why so many restrictions only on bowlers? The game needs to evolve fairly for both sides. Good analysis from a thinking cricketer.
R
Rohit P
With all due respect to Ashwin Anna, I disagree slightly. The spirit of the game matters. A deliberate pause to break the batter's rhythm feels against that spirit, even if it's technically legal. ICC should look into this specific action.
K
Kavya N
It's creating confusion and getting wickets, so it's effective. But is it good for cricket in the long run? Young bowlers might start copying these unusual actions. The laws need to be clearer to protect the essence of bowling.

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