Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has strongly defended his bowling action after facing renewed scrutiny during the International League T20 in Abu Dhabi, where he helped Desert Vipers win their first title.

 

Tariq, who joined the squad as a late replacement for Noor Ahmed, made an immediate impact during the tournament's crucial stages. 

 

In the qualifier playoff against MI Emirates, he claimed three vital wickets, including the dismissal of Tom Banton, helping the Vipers reach the final. Controversy erupted when Banton appeared to suggest Tariq's delivery was "thrown," reigniting debate over the spinner's unconventional action.

 

In an interview before the final, Tariq addressed the allegations head-on, explaining the physical reason behind his unique action. "I have two corners in my hand which makes it hard for me to straighten my hand. It will remain bent, which makes confusion for the spectators," he said.

 

The spinner revealed he has already undergone two official tests in Pakistan to clear his action. "I've given two tests in Pakistan from the labs. My action was cleared. When I went for the test, within one week it was cleared. I didn't get the answer in the results that I should change my action or improve the degrees or something. I was confident about my action because I know that I'm not throwing," he said.

 

Tariq drew a distinction between his case and other spinners who faced similar allegations. "In history, when any spinner got the allegation, they went to the lab and tried to change their action, tried to develop the right degrees," he explained. "I was confident about my action because I know that I'm not throwing."

 

The 26-year-old spinner emphasized that his action falls within the legal 15-degree limit and expressed frustration with critics who lack understanding of cricket's technical aspects.

 

"I would love to give the message to every single person who's commenting on these things that they should study first about cricket, then they should go for the allegation stuff," Tariq said. "If you're not having knowledge about cricket or anything, and you're just commenting or sharing your thoughts about it, I must say that illiteracy can kill the knowledge. So it's better to have the knowledge, after that you can comment on anyone."

 

In the final against Gulf Giants, Tariq delivered a composed performance, conceding just 20 runs in four overs while picking up two wickets.