A major chucking controversy has hit the ILT20 2025-26 playoffs after MI Emirates batsman Tom Banton publicly accused Desert Vipers spinner Usman Tariq of illegal bowling action during the tense Qualifier 1 clash in Abu Dhabi on December 30.
Chucking storm erupts in ILT20: Mumbai Indians’ Tom Banton blames Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq
Tom Banton accused Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq of chucking during the ILT20 Qualifier 1 between MI Emirates and Desert Vipers at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. This incident came to light on Day 12 when Tariq eliminated Banton.
The English star’s dismissal played a crucial role in ending MI Emirates’ dreams of making it to the ILT20 final, as they will now have to try their luck in Qualifier 2 to have any chance of a Qualifier 1 rematch.
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Incident: The dismissal that gave rise to the dispute
Banton was destroying the attack aggressively with a blistering 63 off 27 balls, but Tariq managed to dismiss him and this wicket was a big moment in the match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Tariq bowled a slow ball which was not very full and was wide outside the off stump.
It looked like a carrom-style delivery, and Banton tried to play a pull shot, but was unable to time it well. The ball went high in the air towards the long-off region, where Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran took a brilliant catch to end the tenure of another English star.
Tom Banton’s explosive charge in the heat of battle
Usman Tariq shows his excitement and happiness as he celebrates his wicket aggressively during Qualifier 1 in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Banton was heard yelling, “Throw the ball!” Direct accusation of chucking on the bowler again and again.
The beast has been caught!
Osman Tariq made his debut by holding off a ruthless attack from Tom Banton.#DPWorldILT20 #AllInForCricket #jahanduniyaplays pic.twitter.com/ir5aJqYBfq
– International League T20 (@ILT20Official) 30 December 2025
Banton called out Tariq as he was bowling the ball after getting out. Can’t blame him tbh #ILT20
– Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) 30 December 2025
Now it remains to be seen whether the umpires react to Banton’s claim and take action against Tariq or not. No official statement has come yet on the incident.
What is chucking?
In cricket, “chukking” means that the bowler bends and straightens his elbow too much while bowling the ball. Instead of bowling with the straight hand, it becomes like throwing the ball.
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The rules only allow very small elbow bends of up to 15 degrees. If the elbow becomes straighter than this, it is illegal as it helps the bowler gain extra pace or extra spin, which is unfair.
If the match official identifies it, it can be declared a no-ball, and the bowler is then sent to ICC testing to investigate his action. If the action is found illegal and not fixed, the bowler may be banned from bowling in matches until rectification occurs.
MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers Match Brief
Desert Vipers scored 233/1 with Andries Goss (120) scoring a brilliant century, and it proved too much for MI Emirates as they suffered a 45-run defeat in the ILT20 Qualifier 1. Chasing 234, MI could only manage 188/7 despite Emirates Banton’s 63. Debutant Usman Tariq took three wickets to seal the Vipers’ place in the ILT20 final.
