Is Usman Tariq's zig-zag bowling action with long pause legal?

Usman Tariq made his international debut in November 2025.

Usman Tariq is a right-arm spinner from Pakistan who made his international debut in November 2025 in a T20I game against South Africa. The off-spinner is also part of Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

The 28-year-old has played just three T20I games so far, but has impressed with his brilliant performances. At an economy of 5.63, he has clinched eight wickets, including a four-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. He also played one match in the recent T20I series between Pakistan and Australia.

However, Tariq has become a hot topic of discussion for the wrong reasons. His unique bowling action has attracted the attention of the cricket fraternity, with some players also questioning its legality.

While bowling, the Pakistan spinner takes a short and slow run-up, tosses the ball from his left arm to his right arm once. He zigzags his strides from behind the umpire while holding the ball waist-high. He takes a pause and throws the ball while keeping it close to his chest.

In a recent Pakistan vs Australia T20I match, Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green questioned Tariq’s bowling action after becoming his victim. While returning to the dug-out, Green was seen mimicking his throw angrily. However, he later apologised to the bowler after watching the replays.

Usman Tariq’s bowling action was questioned in PSL 2025

Notably, Tariq’s unusual bowling action was also questioned during PSL 2025. He was reported twice for his action but was cleared both times. Explaining the reason behind his action, the Pakistan pacer has said it’s because he has two elbows in his arm.

“I have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue,” he stated to MYK channel.

In medical terms, he has double-jointed elbows, which means he cannot fully straighten his arms. This is not a new thing for bowlers in international cricket. Sri Lanka bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan was unable to straighten his bowling arm and also faced scrutiny for his action.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had ‘noodle arms’, and his shoulder, elbow and wrists hyper-extended. His joints were loose and flexible. Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has a slightly bent elbow, which causes him to release the ball from closer to the other end of the pitch.

What do ICC rules say about Usman Tariq’s bowling action?

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, no bowler is allowed to throw the ball while bowling, which is also known as chucking.

According to ICC rules, an illegal bowling action is when a player throws rather than bowling the ball. The ICC defines this as when the player’s elbow extends more than 15 degrees between their arm reaching the horizontal and the ball being released. However, any natural elbow hyperextension is excluded from this measurement.

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