Ashwin Fires Back at Shreevats Goswami as Usman Tariq Faces Fresh ‘Chucking’ Allegations

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As scrutiny grows around Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq’s bowling action, Ravichandran Ashwin has entered the discussion, urging a broader review of cricket rules. He highlighted concerns about the switch hit and suggested that regulatory consistency is essential for fairness in the game.


Usman Tariq Bowling Action Controversy


Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq once again found himself at the centre of controversy over his bowling action during the 2026 T20 World Cup match against the USA in Colombo. Social media was flooded with “chucking” accusations, with several users also questioning his distinctive “pause-and-deliver” action.


Ashwin’s View on “chucking” Accusations


Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami questioned the “pause” in Tariq’s action before release. Drawing a comparison with football, Goswami argued, “Even football doesn’t allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this ok? Action—all good. But pause? That too while loading to deliver. This can’t be continued seriously,” on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin agreed with the football comparison but countered Goswami’s broader argument by highlighting what he sees as an imbalance in cricket’s laws.


“Agree football doesn’t allow it! While the batter can switch-hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, after committing to bat on one side, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler?” Ashwin posted. “In fact, the bowler isn’t allowed to change the arm with which he/she bowls without informing the umpire. They should first change that rule.”


Ashwin also tweeted: "Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legality of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre. Secondly, there is a 15 degree rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it  and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15 degree mark by the on-field umpire is impossible. The only solution to that is having a real time in competition testing tool."

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"The above is a grey area, and to accuse someone for utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, whether the pause at the crease is legal or not, and that's where I believe that it is entirely legal because that is his regular action. #UsmanTariq," he posted on X.


Is Tariq’s Action Legal?


According to ICC regulations, a bowler’s elbow extension must not exceed 15 degrees between the arm reaching horizontal and the point of release, a clause frequently cited in social media posts accusing Tariq of chucking.


“I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally,” Tariq said in an earlier interview. “I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arm and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue,” he added.

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Earlier this month, during Pakistan’s home series against Australia, Cameron Green appeared to mock his action. However, the spinner was cleared by the ICC twice last year.


Tariq claimed three wickets in Pakistan’s 32-run win over the USA, a result that lifted them to the top of the Group A standings.