ILT20 final: Usman Tariq responds to throwing accusations, defends his action

As the T20 leagues are taking the cricket world by storm in recent times, fans are enjoying some firefighters on the field. But before the ILT20 2025–26 final, an unwanted controversy involving a Pakistani bowler has suddenly stolen the spotlight.

During the playoff clash against MI Emirates, controversy erupted after Usman Tariq dismissed Tom Banton, with the MI batsman accusing the pacer of throwing the supply. Before playing the final match, he defended his bowling action.

Usman Tariq breaks silence to defend his bowling action

In the cricket world, there is always something new; sometimes, a new controversy too. Before stepping into the final match of the ILT20 2025-26, Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq grabbed the attention. Brought in as a replacement for Noor Ahmad at Desert Vipers, he made an immediate impact on the field while also igniting a heated debate.

During the qualifier 1 clash against the MI Emirates, Tariq set the stage on fire with his exceptional bowling, but Tom Banton’s dismissal grabbed the attention. Drama escalated when Banton accused the pacer of delivering a “thrown” ball, igniting fresh controversy.

But this is not the first time the bowler faced this blame. Ahead of the tournament final, he stepped up to defend the legitimacy of his bowling action.

“There are two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten fully. As you can see from history, whenever spinners faced allegations of chucking, they went to the lab, tried to modify their action, and worked on the correct degree of flexion,” he said.

“That sometimes confuses spectators. I have undergone two official tests in Pakistan, and my action was cleared. Unlike others, I didn’t have to change anything. I was confident because I know I am not throwing,” he added.

“Wasn’t expecting hat-trick…”: Usman Tariq ‘thanks’ Zimbabwe batsman for playing big shot

“Wasn’t expecting hat-trick…”:Usman Tariq ‘thanks’ Zimbabwe batsman for playing big shot
Tariq fires back at his critics with a bold response
After Tom Banton’s allegations, criticism of Usman Tariq hit hard. Social media erupted with debates and divided opinions. Reflecting on those, Tariq gave a sharp response to shut the noise.

“If you don’t understand cricket and still comment or share opinions, illiteracy can kill knowledge. It’s better to understand the game first,” he said.

The Desert Vipers turned heads with their outstanding outing throughout the tournament. After the qualifier 1, they will face the MI Emirates again in the final clash while eyeing the trophy.

Usman Tariq has hit out at his critics ahead of a potential call-up to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, calling them “illiterate” amid persistent allegations over his bowling action. Tariq, who picked up a hat-trick in Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Pakistan, has been under the spotlight since making his name in the T20 leagues around the world.

The spinner has been under scrutiny over the past six months for what many observers believe is an illegal action, with critics claiming he exceeds the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow flexion. The pronounced bend in his arm, coupled with an uncommon run-up, has fueled debate over how he continues to feature in top T20 leagues across the world.

Speaking to The National ahead of the International League T20 (ILT20) final, Tariq dismissed the allegations, insisting that his action has been cleared through biomechanical testing.

Lack of knowledge is dangerous

said Tariq, adding that he has undergone two separate biomechanical tests in Pakistan, both of which validated his action in line with ICC guidelines.

Tariq explained that a physical condition in his bowling arm contributes to the sensation that he is throwing the ball.

“There are two corners on my [elbow] which make it hard for me to straighten,” he said. “That creates confusion for spectators.”

He pointed out that bowlers accused of chucking are routinely referred for testing and, if necessary, asked to remake their actions. In his case, he said, no such intervention was required.

“When I went for the test, within one week it was cleared. I didn’t get the answer that you have to change your action or improve the degrees. I was confident because I know that I am not throwing,” said Tariq.

taking six wickets, with the majority of his experience coming in franchise cricket. He has picked up 63 wickets from 39 matches across various T20 leagues.

Tariq reserved his strongest words for those questioning his validity as a bowler.

“I would love to give a message on this platform that every single person who is commenting on these things should study cricket first,” he said.

“If you don’t have knowledge about cricket and you are just commenting or sharing your thoughts, then illiteracy can kill knowledge. It is better to have knowledge, and then you can comment on anyone.”

ABU DHABI:

Pakistani spin sensation Usman Tariq has once again defended his bowling action ahead of the DP World International League T20 final on Sunday night.

Tariq, a late addition to the Desert Vipers squad as a replacement for Noor Ahmad, made an immediate impact during the tournament’s business end.

In the qualifier play-off against MI Emirates, he claimed three crucial wickets, including the noteworthy dismissal of Tom Banton, helping the Vipers secure a place in the final.

Following that dismissal, Banton appeared to suggest Tariq’s delivery was “thrown,” reigniting debate over the pacer-turned-spinner’s unconventional action.

Usman Tariq has defended himself in another sucking row ahead of the DP World International League T20 final on Sunday night.

The Pakistan spin bowling sensation was a late arrival at the tournament as a replacement player for the Desert Vips.

He made an immediate impact after joining the side in place of Noor Ahmed for the business end of the competition.

For more such information, connect with us today: : www.globalmediaa.com