In a dramatic turn of events during the Pakistan vs Australia second T20I, Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq became the focal point of a heated cricket debate after Australian all‑rounder Cameron Green appeared to accuse him of an illegal bowling action, commonly referred to as “chucking.” The match, played on January 31, 2026, saw Pakistan register a commanding victory, yet the post‑match buzz centered more on the on‑field drama than the result itself. The incident has reignited questions about bowling legality, player conduct, and the role of umpires in monitoring unconventional actions.
Key Highlights
Green’s visible “chucking” gesture after being dismissed by Tariq drew widespread attention on social media.
Tariq responded with a mocking Instagram post, escalating the controversy.
His bowling action has previously been reported but cleared twice in domestic competition.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja defended Tariq’s action on live television.
The episode has sparked discussions around fairness, interpretation of ICC rules, and player conduct.
What Happened in Lahore
During the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 31, 2026, Usman Tariq dismissed Cameron Green, who was one of Australia’s top scorers in the game. After his dismissal, Green paused and made a throwing‑like gesture that many broadcasters and fans interpreted as an accusation that Tariq’s action was illegal. No formal on‑field complaint was lodged by Australia’s team or the umpires, but the clip quickly went viral across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Tariq, 28, later took to Instagram with a video of a crying child captioned “After getting out,” which was widely shared and seen as a direct response to Green’s gesture.
Public Reaction and Official Commentary
Social media reacted strongly, with divided opinions across cricket communities. Some fans defended Tariq, pointing out that his bowling action had been cleared through multiple biomechanical tests. Others supported Green’s frustration, claiming that his gesture highlighted a larger problem in the sport.
“Usman Tariq deserves better. His action has twice been tested — and cleared,” said cricket broadcaster Paul Dennett in a widely shared post highlighting the need for respect and understanding in cricket debates.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja also weighed in, criticizing Green’s focus on Tariq’s action rather than his dismissal. Raja’s remarks on live TV drew both praise and criticism, underscoring how sensitive bowling action issues remain in cricket commentary.
Fans reacted intensely online. One fan wrote, “Typical Aussie mindset! Green was frustrated after getting out and not about legality,” while others argued that unusual bowling actions should be reviewed more thoroughly.
Why This Matters
This incident touches several broader issues in cricket:
Bowling Action Legitimacy: Tariq’s action has been under scrutiny since being reported in PSL 2024 and 2025, yet he was cleared each time.
Player Conduct: Green’s gesture and Tariq’s social media reply raise questions on sportsmanship and professional behavior.
Umpiring and Rule Clarity: The ICC’s 15‑degree rule on elbow extension continues to be debated among players and fans.
Public Perception: Viral incidents shape fan conversations, often drawing more attention than match outcomes.
Cricket analyst and former professional bowler Dr. Arun Mehta noted, “Unorthodox bowling actions make cricket richer, but consistent enforcement and communication from officials are crucial to maintain fairness.”
Context: Past Bowling Action Debates
Cricket history includes numerous controversies over bowling actions. Famous cases include Muttiah Muralitharan, whose action was tested and cleared despite visual doubt, and Saeed Ajmal, whose action was later modified to meet ICC standards. Tariq’s current situation reflects a continuation of these discussions—balancing natural variations in bowling styles with the need for regulatory consistency.
While no formal complaint has been made in this match, the viral nature of the incident ensures it will be discussed further ahead of the final T20I and the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
What Happens Next
Pakistan and Australia are scheduled to play the final T20I on February 1, 2026, where all eyes will again be on Tariq’s action and how Green responds. Fans and analysts anticipate that this controversy could resurface, especially if Tariq continues to be a key bowler for Pakistan leading into the World Cup.
FAQs
Q1: Has Usman Tariq ever been banned for illegal bowling? A: No. Although reported in Pakistan Super League matches in 2024 and 2025, he underwent biomechanical testing and was cleared on both occasions.
Q2: What did Cameron Green’s gesture imply? A: The gesture suggested that Green believed Tariq was “chucking”—a term used for illegal bowling. However, no official complaint was made during the match.
Q3: What are ICC rules on bowling action? A: Under ICC regulations, a bowler’s action is legal if the elbow extension remains within 15 degrees between delivery arm horizontal and ball release.
Q4: Why is this incident significant? A: It highlights ongoing debates on bowling actions, player conduct, and consistency in cricket’s rule enforcement.
Stay Informed & Join the Conversation Follow Star Struck Times for the latest cricket updates, controversies, and match analyses. Share your thoughts on Usman Tariq’s bowling action debate in the comments and be part of the discussion!
Hello! I'm M Muzamil Shami, the founder and lead editor of Star Struck Times, your trusted source for trending news, entertainment scoops, celebrity gossip, sports highlights, and global headlines.
With a passion for storytelling and journalism, I created this platform to bring you breaking news, viral moments, and deep insights into the worlds of Bollywood, Hollywood, sports, politics, tech, and more — all in one place.
