Usman Tariq “Chucking” Row: R. Ashwin And Shreevats Goswami Clash Over Spinner’s Action In T20 World Cup

COLOMBO — Pakistan’s breakout mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, has once again found himself at the center of a global firestorm. Despite a match-winning three-wicket haul against the USA on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, social media has been ablaze with “chucking” allegations, sparking a high-profile debate between Indian cricket legends regarding the fairness of his unorthodox delivery.

The controversy is nothing new for the 28-year-old. Just last week, during a home series against Australia, all-rounder Cameron Green was seen mimicking Tariq’s action in frustration—though Green reportedly later apologized. While the ICC has officially cleared Tariq twice in the last year, the sheer visual of his “zig-zag” run-up and “baseball-style” release continues to divide opinion.

1. The Football Comparison: “Penalty” vs. “Delivery”

The debate took a technical turn when veteran Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami compared Tariq’s unique “pause” at the crease to a football penalty run-up.

“Even football doesn’t allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this ok?” Goswami posted on X. “Action — all good. But pause? That too while loading to deliver. This can’t be continued seriously.”

Goswami’s argument suggests that the near-total halt in Tariq’s delivery stride gives him an “unfair” advantage by disrupting the batter’s timing—a tactic FIFA banned in the form of the paradinha (little stop) during penalty kicks.

2. Ashwin Strikes Back: “What About the Batter?”

India’s spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin was quick to weigh in, agreeing with the football analogy but using it to highlight what he calls an “imbalance” in cricket’s laws.

Ashwin argued that if the game allows batters to gain an advantage through switch-hits and reverse-sweeps without informing the bowler, then bowlers should be allowed their own deceptive tools.

• The Double Standard: Ashwin noted that a batter can change their stance mid-delivery, but a bowler is not even allowed to change their bowling arm without informing the umpire.
• The Verdict: “Why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler?” Ashwin questioned, calling for a rule change to give bowlers more creative freedom.

3. The “Biological Factor”: Tariq Defends His Elbow

Under ICC Law 21, a bowler’s elbow extension must not exceed 15 degrees. Tariq has consistently maintained that his visible “bend” is not a choice, but a physical reality.

“I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally,” Tariq explained in an interview with MYK Sports. “I have got this tested and cleared… Everyone feels I bend my arm and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”

Medical assessments suggest Tariq possesses a congenital condition—often called double-jointed elbows—similar to the deformity that famously caused controversy for Sri Lankan icon Muttiah Muralitharan.

4. Umpire Clean Chit

Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary recently reviewed Tariq’s mechanics and offered a definitive “clean chit.” Chaudhary explained that while the action is “slightly side-arm and different,” the elbow remains locked through the point of release, making the delivery valid under current ICC regulations.