Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Tariq was part of Pakistan’s starting XI against the USA on Tuesday and returned with impressive figures of 3-27 in his quota of four overs.

Former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami questioned Tariq’s action and said the ICC must look into it. Goswami was not impressed with the pause that Tariq takes before delivering the ball.

Goswami wrote on X, “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!”

However, Ashwin argued why all the restrictions are limited to the bowler and not the batsmen. 

“Agree, football doesn’t allow it! While the batter can be allowed to switch hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, after him/her commits to start batting on one side, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler? 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.”

Goswami then emphasised that the pause breaks the rhythm of the game and if a one-second pause is allowed, then a 10-second pause can also be taken.

“Reverse sweep was first played in 1964 and it’s still debatable ? Ok. We are talking about the ‘pause ‘ here. ‘PAUSE ‘. A batter doesn’t take stance, look away, pause & then reset before the ball is delivered. He/she is absolutely ready for whatever the bowler has to offer. Let’s not make this bowler vs batter. It’s the PAUSE. If 1 sec pause is ok, then 2 is too , then 10 is too.

“Cricket is a game of continuity. Pause breaks the rhythm of the game & if you look closely. He kind of ‘bends his arms’ when he bowls the faster one. Hopefully, the ICC finds clarity before this becomes the next grey area.”

India will next take on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday.