Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s unconventional bowling action once again came under the spotlight after Australia batter Tim David appeared to question its legality following his dismissal during The Hundred.
The incident took place during Trent Rockets’ clash against Birmingham Phoenix when David edged a fuller delivery outside off stump from Tariq to the wicketkeeper. Moments after being dismissed, the Australian all-rounder was seen speaking with the umpire and appeared to suggest that the delivery should have been called a no-ball due to concerns over Tariq’s bowling action.
David also briefly gestured as though he wanted to review the dismissal before deciding against it. However, with the on-field umpire satisfied that the delivery was legal, the wicket stood and play continued.
The incident has once again drawn attention to Tariq’s bowling action, which has been under scrutiny in both domestic and international cricket over the past few years.
According to MCC Law 21.2, a delivery is deemed fair provided the bowler does not throw the ball. Once the bowling arm reaches shoulder height during the delivery stride, the elbow must not be partially or completely straightened before the ball is released. The striker’s-end umpire is primarily responsible for judging the legality of a delivery, although the bowler’s-end umpire also has the authority to call a no-ball if they believe the ball has been thrown.
David’s reaction suggested he believed Tariq’s delivery breached those laws, but the umpire did not agree and allowed the wicket to stand.
This is not the first time Tariq’s bowling action has sparked debate. During the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth reported the spinner for a suspect bowling action. His action came under scrutiny again during the 2025 PSL, when he was once more reported by the match officials.
Earlier this year, another Australian batter, Cameron Green, also appeared to question Tariq’s action during the second T20I against Pakistan. After being dismissed by the spinner, Green mimicked a baseball-style throwing motion, a gesture widely interpreted as a reference to Tariq’s unusual bowling action.
Although there was no indication from the match officials during The Hundred that Tariq’s latest spell breached the laws of the game, Tim David’s visible reaction has once again reignited the debate over the Pakistan spinner’s bowling action. With previous reports already on record, Tariq’s action is likely to remain under close scrutiny whenever he takes the field.
