A fiery response from the Pakistani spinner, Usman Tariq, has sparked a social media storm, leaving cricket fans divided. This comes after an intense T20 match between Pakistan and Australia, where Tariq's bowling action became a controversial topic.
The Battle of the Bowlers
Pakistan emerged victorious in the second T20I, securing a massive 90-run win over Australia. It was a devastating loss for the Aussies, their heaviest in T20I history, with Pakistan taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
During the match, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green found himself in a tricky situation, dismissed by Tariq for 35. As he made his way back to the dugout, Green made a bold gesture, mimicking a baseball throw, seemingly accusing Tariq of 'chucking' - an illegal bowling action.
But here's where it gets controversial... Tariq, with his unique and unorthodox bowling style, has faced scrutiny before. With a pronounced bend in his arm and a slinging action, his delivery has raised questions.
The Social Media Showdown
Tariq hit back at Green's accusation with a cheeky Instagram post, uploading a video of a crying child with the caption, "After getting out," followed by a laughing emoji. This post has divided opinions, with some finding it humorous and others seeing it as a disrespectful response.
Tariq's bowling action has been a topic of debate for some time. Under ICC regulations, a bowler's elbow extension must not exceed 15 degrees during the delivery stride, and any natural hyperextension is allowed. Tariq's action, with its near-complete halt at the point of delivery, has been reported twice while playing for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.
However, experts at Lahore's National Cricket Academy have cleared Tariq's action on both occasions, allowing him to continue bowling in T20 tournaments.
The Double-Jointed Debate
Tariq attributes his unique action to a physical condition, claiming to have a double-jointed elbow. He has defended himself against chucking allegations, stating, "I have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally." He further explained that he has undergone tests and been cleared by experts.
Despite these explanations, throwing accusations have persisted. Tariq has faced scrutiny from fans and even fellow cricketers, with English cricketer Tom Banton questioning his action during the ILT20. Tariq responded by calling out "illiterate" cricket fans, urging them to educate themselves before making accusations.
A History of Accusations
Tariq is not the only Pakistani cricketer to face chucking accusations from Australian players. In 2022, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain was mocked by Australian players for his bowling action during the Big Bash League and a Hundred match. Hasnain was later banned from bowling after biomechanical testing confirmed an illegal action.
Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has also faced similar scrutiny, being cited for a suspect action during a Test tour of Sri Lanka. However, he was cleared after an independent assessment.
The Final Showdown
As the series reaches its climax, the third and final T20 between Pakistan and Australia will take place at the same venue on Sunday. With tensions running high, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this highly anticipated match. Who will prevail in this battle of the bowlers? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on this ongoing controversy? Do you think Tariq's action is legal, or is it time for a closer look? Let's discuss in the comments!
