Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has emerged as the centre of attention ahead of Sunday’s high-profile India vs PakistanT20 World Cup clash in Colombo. The right-arm spinner has dominated conversations in recent weeks due to his unusual bowling action. Tariq employs a round-arm delivery, combined with an awkward pause just before releasing the ball, which has led some critics and fans to question its legality. Despite the scrutiny, the all-rounder has already been cleared twice by the ICC, confirming that his action is within the rules. Still, the debate continues to add an extra layer of intrigue to an already electric contest, with fans and analysts eager to see how Tariq’s unique style fares against the formidable Indian batting lineup.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha comes in support of Usman Tariq. (AP)
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Many have advised India to be wary of Tariq and play him cautiously, and not take too many risks after their struggles against Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus, who also bowled with round-arm action. Erasmus claimed four wickets against India, but there was no pause in his action, which adds to the mystery around Tariq.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha defended Usman Tariq ahead of the India clash and shut the outside noise about his action, stating the clearance of his action from ICC.
"Usman has been cleared twice. We don't care," Pakistan skipper Agha said in the pre-match press conference.
The Colombo pitch, known for its slow nature, could play right into Tariq’s hands. Its spin-friendly conditions are likely to make spinners, including Tariq, key influencers in the game.
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The Colombo pitch, known for its slow nature, could play right into Tariq’s hands. Its spin-friendly conditions are likely to make spinners, including Tariq, key influencers in the game.
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Agha called Tariq a key asset, but at the same time, dismissed the hype around his bowling action.
"For us every player is equal. You guys have made Usman Tariq this big. He has been bowling well. He is our trump card," he added.
“Babar Azam not a concern for us”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam remains a slight concern, with his recent form inconsistent and his strike rate coming under scrutiny.
Agha shrugged off concerns over Babar Azam, stressing that his team is focused on their plans and won’t tinker with the batting order ahead of the big clash.
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"Babar Azam is not a concern for us. He has been scoring runs. And hopefully he'll score runs and help us tomorrow. We don't want to change the batting position too much."
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Cricket/Salman Agha brushes aside Usman Tariq hype, defends his ICC-cleared action ahead of India clash: ‘You’ve made him big’
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