Who is Usman Tariq? Know All About Pakistan's Controversial Mystery Spinner reported for suspected bowling action

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Usman Tariq, a name currently echoing across the PSL 2025, is under the spotlight-but not just for his performances. The 29-year-old spinner has found himself at the centre of controversy due to his suspected bowling action.

During PSL 2025, Tariq was officially reported by umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown after Quetta Gladiators' clash with Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It's the second consecutive PSL season where his action has raised eyebrows, sparking debate around his future in professional cricket.

Who is Usman Tariq?

• Full Name: Usman Tariq
• Date of Birth: June 7, 1995
• Place of Birth: Nowshehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
• Nationality: Pakistani
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Batting Style: Right-hand bat
• Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
• Teams Represented:
  1. Peshawar Region
  2. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  3. Nowshehra
  4. Eshaal Associates
  5. Deccan Gladiators
  6. Quetta Gladiators (PSL)

Career Overview

Hailing from Nowshehra, born on June 7, 1995, Usman Tariq's journey began in the streets of Peshawar, where tape ball cricket ruled every corner. His love for the game, like many in his region, grew organically. Encouraged by local mentors, he joined a cricket academy, where he shaped his craft as a right-arm off-break bowler. Known for his unorthodox variations, Tariq quickly stood out in domestic circuits.

His T20 debut for Peshawar Region in November 2023 marked his first step into professional cricket. While he didn't claim a wicket in that match, he maintained an impressive economy of 5.50 across his four overs.

That initial performance was a sign of the control and discipline he brought to the game. It wasn't long before his work ethic was rewarded with a List A debut for Eshaal Associates in October 2024, where he dismissed Kamran Ghulam, a seasoned batter, for 39.

The turning point in Tariq's career arrived during his first-class debut for Eshaal Associates. After a steady performance in the first innings, where he bowled three maidens and dismissed Mehmood Nawaz Afridi, he turned the game in the second innings with a stellar 5/62 haul. His raw ability to deceive batters through flight and angle gained attention from PSL scouts.

In December 2023, he earned a PSL contract with the Quetta Gladiators-a significant leap forward. Tariq made his PSL debut in February 2024 against Multan Sultans. Though his numbers in the PSL haven't been extraordinary (5 wickets in 7 games at an economy of 7.27), his overall T20 record is much more striking. Across 22 games, he's picked up 38 wickets at an economy of 6.10, including a career-best 5/16.

Controversy

Usman has been reported twice for a suspect bowling action during PSL seasons 9 and 10. Although he was cleared the first time, a second report could lead to a temporary suspension, pending clearance from an ICC-accredited testing centre.

Career Stats (as of April 2025)

• T20 Matches: 22 | Wickets: 38 | Economy: 6.10 | Best: 5/16
• PSL Matches: 7 | Wickets: 5 | Economy: 7.27 | Best: 2/16
• Abu Dhabi T10 Matches: 4 | Wickets: 6 | Economy: 8.13 | Best: 2/10

A talented bowler with a knack for breakthroughs, Tariq remains a name to watch—if he can refine his action and rise above the scrutiny.