Pakistan secured a 2-1 T20I series win against South Africa on October 31, with debutant bowler Usman Tariq grabbing all the attention with his unique bowling action.

 

Usman’s unusual action involves a slight pause before releasing the ball, a method that impressed onlookers as he took two wickets in the series-deciding match. While captain Salman Ali Agha lifted the trophy, social media began buzzing over Usman’s bowling style, with some fans questioning its legality.

 

However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already cleared his action after biomechanical testing. Usman’s distinctive delivery style, which first raised eyebrows during PSL 2024, was later approved after multiple reviews.

 

Speaking in an interview before his debut, the 27-year-old said he received the selection call at an unexpected moment. “I was sleeping when I got the call, and it was the day of my mehndi ceremony,” Usman said with a smile. “When they told me I had been selected, I couldn’t believe it.”

 

He added, “Our regional president, Gohar Ali, called me to share the news. There was a family event going on at home, and everyone was so happy.”

 

Instagram Post

Instagram Post

 

 

Usman said he had continued playing cricket alongside his job in Dubai before deciding to return to Pakistan. “God gave me talent, and I kept playing even while working in Dubai,” he said. “The dream I saw while sitting at home is finally coming true.”

 

The young spinner thanked Quetta Gladiators for giving him a platform in the Pakistan Super League, which helped him reach the national side.

 

Explaining his unusual bowling style, Usman revealed in an earlier interview that it comes from a physical condition. “My action looks different because I have two elbows,” he said. “Doctors have confirmed that my arm cannot straighten completely. It’s a natural condition, and my body structure is different from a normal person’s.”

 

The PCB later confirmed that Usman Tariq cleared his bowling assessment at the board’s approved biomechanics lab in Lahore, making him eligible to represent Pakistan.