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Ashwin Defends Pakistan's Usman Tariq, Questions Bowling Rule Double Standards

Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly supported Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, whose bowling action faced criticism during the T20 World Cup. Ashwin questioned why bowlers face stricter regulations, like informing umpires of arm changes, while batters can freely switch-hit. He clarified that only official ICC testing can determine an action's legality, noting the difficulty of judging the 15-degree rule on-field. The veteran spinner argued that accusing someone of using these "grey areas" is wrong unless proven illegal.

Key Points: Ashwin Supports Usman Tariq, Criticizes Bowling Restrictions

  • Ashwin supports Tariq amid action scrutiny
  • Questions stricter bowling vs. batting rules
  • Highlights 15-degree rule's grey area
  • Calls for real-time in-competition testing
3 min read

Why are restrictions only limited to the bowler?: Ashwin reflects on Usman Tariq's bowling action amid criticism

Ravichandran Ashwin defends Pakistan's Usman Tariq amid bowling action debate, questioning stricter rules for bowlers compared to batters in cricket.

"why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler? - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, Feb 11

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Pakistan's Usman Tariq after the latter's bowling action came under scrutiny during the T20 World Cup 2026, saying "why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler?"

Tariq impressed with figures of 3-27 in Pakistan's Group A win over the USA on Tuesday, securing his side's second victory of the tournament. However, despite his match-winning performance, attention quickly shifted to his bowling action, sparking debate.

Known for a visible bend in his arm and an unconventional run-up, Tariq has faced questions over the legality of his action and whether it would stand up to international scrutiny, including in top T20 leagues. During Pakistan's recent bilateral series against Australia, all-rounder Cameron Green had also raised concerns about the spinner's action.

On Wednesday, former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami criticised Tariq's pause during his run-up, comparing it to a rule change in football that disallows players from pausing during a penalty run-up.

"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!" Goswami wrote on X.

Responding to the objection, Ashwin questioned why bowlers often face stricter regulations compared to batters.

"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 only limited 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," Ashwin wrote.

As debate intensified on social media, with some users criticising Ashwin's stance, the veteran off-spinner clarified that only official testing could determine the legality of Tariq's action.

"Let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legality of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing centre. Secondly, there is a 15-degree rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow straight, and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15-degree mark by the on-field 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 of utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, if the pause at the crease is legal or not, and I believe that it is entirely legal because that is his regular action."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, I think Ashwin is spot on. The pause in the run-up is part of his action, just like Malinga's sling or Bumrah's jump. If it's not illegal, let him play. The focus should be on his performance - 3/27 is impressive!
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Priya S
I respect Ashwin's knowledge, but I have to disagree slightly. Unorthodox actions can be entertaining, but they must be within the spirit of the game. A visible pause *does* feel like gamesmanship, giving the bowler an unfair advantage to see the batter's movement. Just my two paise.
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Vikram M
Typical! A Pakistani bowler does well and immediately the "action" debate starts. Where was this energy for other bowlers with unique actions? Let the ICC testing center decide, not Twitter experts. Ashwin bhai is 100% correct here.
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Rohit P
The real issue Ashwin highlights is the lack of real-time testing. How can an on-field umpire judge 15 degrees? It's impossible! The ICC needs to invest in better technology instead of letting players get targeted on social media. Good on Ashwin for speaking up.
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Michael C
Interesting perspective from a legend of the game. Cricket's laws are archaic in many ways. If batters can innovate freely, why not bowlers? The pause might be unusual, but if it's his natural delivery stride, it's part of his skill. Let's not kill creativity in bowling.

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