'This is not your job' - Usman Tariq hits out at critics for suspected bowling action row

Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq has often come under the scanner for the mechanics of his action, drawing criticism from opposition players for the pause during his bowling stride and the apparent bent arm on release.

Tariq, playing for the Birmingham Phoenix in the 2026 Men's Hundred, was recently involved in a controversy in the match against the Trent Rockets when Australian batter Tim David signalled to the umpires asking for a no-ball after being dismissed, accusing the spinner of chucking. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, with England batter Tom Banton and Australian all-rounder Cameron Green making chucking gestures at the camera against Tariq.

Speaking of the incidents from the past, Tariq has expressed displeasure at players pointing out his action, which has often led to a war of words between players.

“It shows the kind of character that the player has. Pointing such things out, because you're not in that area where you're supposed to do this. I usually don't respond to such things, but Tom Banton did that in front of me, so I responded with some good words," Tariq said on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast, as quoted by Wisden.

Tariq has been flagged for his action in the Pakistan Super League on two occasions but has been cleared after going for testing at a PCB-accredited biomechanics lab in Lahore. He has in the past explained on public platforms having a genetic defect in his elbows, which limits the straightening of his hand. The spinner stated that it is not the players' job to question his action, despite clearances from umpires.

"I felt like this is not your job, you're not the one who will pinpoint these things. On-field and off-field umpires are already there, and only they can come and question me [my action]. Being professional players, we should be intelligent and mature enough to understand the rules of the game. It's better to show the world that we are professionals rather than doing such negative stuff," Tariq added.