KEY POINTS
- Pakistan captain Salman Agha says Usman Tariq’s bowling action is legal and “X factor” material.
- Tariq has been cleared twice after suspect-action reports in the Pakistan Super League.
- Pakistan faces pressure to win in World Cup after political boycott of India match.
Pakistan’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign began with debate over spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action.
Captain Salman Agha publicly defended Tariq on Friday, ahead of their tournament opener.
Tariq’s unorthodox delivery features a pause near the crease followed by a side-arm release.
Opposition players have raised eyebrows at its appearance, but Salman stressed there is no issue.
“He has been tested twice and he has been cleared,” Salman said, defending Tariq’s technique.
Salman called the 28-year-old off-spinner his team’s “X factor” in crucial matches.
Tariq has played three T20 Internationals since his debut, including a recent match versus Australia.
He took two wickets in that game, prompting an on-field reaction from an Australian batsman.
Salman rejected talk around the bowling style as distracting.
He emphasised that Tariq’s action passed biomechanical testing.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup group stage has heightened stakes after a boycott of their match against India.
Political tensions between the neighbouring countries led to forfeiting that fixture.
With losses already incurred from the boycott, Pakistan has little margin for error.
The side must win to stay in contention for the Super 8 stage.
Salman warned his team must perform strongly against all opponents.
Pakistan will face the Netherlands, Namibia and the United States in Group A.
Salman stressed the importance of executing match plans correctly over focusing on controversy.
He said understanding lesser-known teams’ strengths and weaknesses is crucial.
Observers note that debate over bowling legality can affect team morale and public perception.
Tariq’s action has been cleared in domestic assessment, but sceptics remain vocal.
Tariq’s case echoes similar controversies in cricket over unconventional styles.
The ICC allows certain biomechanical variations if within approved limits.
Salman’s endorsement may calm critics and consolidate team unity.
His confidence in Tariq underscores reliance on his bowling in key moments.
Pakistan’s spin options now attract attention as tactical assets in early matches.
How Tariq performs could influence Pakistan’s prospects in tournament progression.
Pressure mounts as Pakistan seeks strong starts after political and cricketing challenges.
Fans and analysts alike watch closely as the World Cup unfolds.
