Just days before the big India vs Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq was targeted by former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra. He has asked the ICC to keep a close eye on Usman Tariq’s bowling action, especially his fast balls.
India and Pakistan are set to face each other in a high-voltage Group A match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on February 15. The men in green are coming into this much-awaited encounter with confidence after defeating the United States by 32 runs.
Aakash Chopra raises red flag on Usman Tariq’s speed jump
In that match, Usman Tariq played a key role as the spinner took three wickets for 27 runs in four overs and helped Pakistan defend a strong score of 191 while the USA scored 158 for 8. However, Tariq did not play in Pakistan’s three-wicket win over the Netherlands.
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But the much-loved spinner was brought into the squad for the USA game and made an immediate impact by dismissing USA’s Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh and Mohammad Mohsin. After the match, Chopra expressed concern over Tariq’s fast bowling style.
A well-known cricket pundit has pointed out that while Tariq’s slower balls appear to be fine and within the rules, his faster balls need ICC’s attention. Tariq has a unique style. He almost stops before bowling the ball. That break is legal. But Chopra raised questions as to how a bowler can suddenly increase his pace by 20 to 30 kmph without proper run-up or follow-through.
Aakash Chopra says ICC needs to pay some attention
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “About Usman Tariq’s action, anyone who is watching him for the first time would be thinking where he has come from, that this is not the way, because he stops. It’s like he came to bowl, you stopped him, then you pressed the play button and he bowled. Stopping is absolutely fine. It is legal; there is no problem. When he bowls slow, a The floater that goes out and a slow off-break, that’s all it takes.” It is legal.”
Chopra further said, “However, one thing came to my mind. I watched his action closely. The ball he bowls is 20-30 kmph faster; how do you bowl fast if you have neither run-up nor follow-through? Think and tell me. If I suddenly have to bowl fast, I have to do this (chuck). I think the ICC needs to pay a little attention. They may have to investigate the fast ball.”
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Pakistan’s Colombo advance can trouble India: Chopra
Meanwhile, Chopra believes that Pakistan can come out with a spin-heavy attack against India. They have several spin options in the likes of Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, along with Saim Ayub, who can also bowl spin. The conditions in Colombo are expected to favor spin bowling and this could help Pakistan’s plans.
The former Indian batsman also feels that Pakistan’s familiarity with the conditions in Colombo, where they have been for over two weeks and have played two games so far in the tournament, will help them in the big game against India at the same venue on February 15.
Chopra concluded by saying, “They are quite decent. I wouldn’t say it’s a world-beating spin unit, but if the conditions suit them, they are the ones who can really trouble you a bit. These are really spin-friendly pitches. These are not six-sixer grounds. That really helps Pakistan.”
