T20 World Cup: Ravichandran Ashwin bats for Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, speaks up on ‘legalities’ of bowling action

Ravichandran Ashwin usually calls a spade a spade.

This time was no different when he took to X to back Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, whose bowling action became the talk of the town during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match versus USA on February 10.

What’s the “problem” with Usman Tariq’s bowling action?

The 28-year-old’s bowling action includes a pause during the run-up before the delivery, and he also has a side-arm action, which creates a lot of confusion for batters and has helped him in getting wickets in the past. After the match, Tariq faced a lot of criticism on social media.

Reacting to the backlash over Tariq's action, Ashwin wrote on X, “Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing Centre. Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15° mark by the onfield Umpire is impossible. The only solution to that is having a real time in competition testing tool. The above is a grey area and to accuse someone for utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, if 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.”

What does Shreevats Goswami have to say?

Earlier today, former Indian domestic player Shreevats Goswami raised concerns over Tariq's bowling action. He 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!”

Replying to Goswami, Ashwin wrote, “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 limited only 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.”

Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in their next Group A fixture in Colombo on February 15.

(With ANI inputs)