A Bowling Controversy That Exposed Cricket’s Batting Bias

This is about last night’s T20 World Cup 12th match between Pakistan and USA, played at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Pakistan completely dominated the USA, as if they were eager to take revenge for their defeat in the 2024 World Cup. And that is exactly what happened. The way the USA played, it never looked like they were trying hard enough to win.

Pakistan batted first and scored 190 runs, giving USA a target of 191. In reply, USA managed only 158 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Pakistan won the match comfortably by 32 runs.

This was Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament, and with this victory, they strengthened their claim for a place in the Super 8 stage.

That was the full match summary. Honestly, there was nothing very dramatic in the game itself, especially from the perspective of Indian cricket fans. But what became the real talking point was Usman Tariq.

He played an important role in Pakistan’s win and once again brought attention to the controversial issue of his bowling action. On social media, the discussion spread like wildfire. Cricket fans were divided into two groups, some against him and some supporting him.

However, the ICC has not taken any action against Usman Tariq. Many people raised objections, but no official complaint was filed. Without an official report, the ICC cannot take action. This clearly suggests that there is no confirmed problem with his bowling action.

Still, fans will always have their own opinions and questions.

Also Read: Is Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action Really Illegal?

This so-called controversy took a new turn when India’s famous former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came out in support of Usman Tariq. This was the first time after “Operation Sindoor” that an Indian cricketer openly supported a Pakistani cricketer.

IPL and Indian domestic cricketer Shreevats Goswami posted on X opposing Usman Tariq’s bowling action. He wrote:

“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!”

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 ! #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/gIgsjV7RlX

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 10, 2026

Ashwin replied in support of Usman Tariq, writing-

“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.”

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… https://t.co/AOV4OKhwcL

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026

The debate did not stop there.

Shreevats Goswami responded to Ashwin and wrote:

“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 and 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 second pause is ok, then 2 is too, then 10 is too. Cricket is a game of continuity. Pause breaks the rhythm of the game and 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.”

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.… https://t.co/3uH8kGN8mc

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 11, 2026

Ashwin, known for his clear and direct opinions, responded firmly:

“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 on-field 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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/RbTkY6xJ3h

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026

Ashwin himself is a spinner, and his bowling action has also been discussed many times in the past. However, he was never officially accused of “Chucking.” His argument in support of Usman Tariq seems reasonable.

Even though the debate on X has slowed down, Ashwin has raised a larger question. He has indirectly questioned whether the ICC is giving more importance to batting than bowling in modern cricket.

In many situations, that concern appears valid.

Now the real question is: Will the ICC seriously discuss this issue? Or will cricket slowly become only a batter’s game?

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