'It Is Not the Batter's Job': Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq Hits Back at Bowling Action Critics

Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq has voiced his frustration over the increasing number of batters questioning the legality of his bowling action after being dismissed, insisting that it is the responsibility of match officials-not opposition players-to judge whether his action is legal.

Tariq's latest comments come after an incident in The Hundred, where Australia's Tim David appeared to signal for a no-ball after edging the spinner behind during a match between Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix.

Speaking in an interview, Tariq said such reactions have become a recurring issue whenever he claims a wicket.

"It is not the batter's job to do these things. The umpires and match referee are there to watch everything. If I am allowed to bowl by the umpire, it means my bowling action is legal," he said.

The spinner, who represented Pakistan at this year's T20 World Cup and is one of only two Pakistani players featuring in The Hundred alongside Abrar Ahmed, admitted that repeated public questioning of his action has been frustrating.

"Maybe the umpires and match referee need to do something. I remember even in the International League T20 in Dubai, England's Tom Banton did the same thing, and at that time I made my thoughts very clear after getting him out," Tariq added.

Tariq's unconventional action has drawn attention on several occasions. He was reported for a suspect bowling action during a Pakistan Super League match but was later cleared following testing under ICC regulations. Earlier this year, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green also appeared to question the spinner's action during a T20 International.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has previously defended Tariq, stating that his bowling action is within the laws of the game and noting that the pause in his delivery stride is both legal and technically difficult to execute.

Highlighting the demands of modern T20 cricket, Tariq said he spends considerable time developing variations to remain effective against aggressive batters.

"This should stop now. I work very hard on my bowling for variations because in T20 cricket nowadays there is no mercy for spinners. You have to stay focused all the time," he said.

With inputs from PTI