One Delivery, One Reaction, and a Familiar Debate Over Bowling Legality

Cricket has a habit of reopening its oldest debates at the most unexpected moments. During the second T20I of the Pakistan vs Australia series in Lahore, one such moment arrived quietly but lingered loudly.

When Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq delivered the ball that led to the wicket of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, the Australian appeared visibly unhappy while returning to the dug-out. Cameras caught the reaction, and almost instantly, social media began circling a familiar question: was that legal bowling, or was it something more?

The words “throwing” and “chucking” soon followed terms that have haunted bowlers for decades, often unfairly, sometimes deservedly, but always controversially.

To understand where this situation truly stands, it’s important to step away from emotion and return to what actually governs bowling actions in international cricket.

What the Laws Actually Say About Illegal Bowling?

Under the ICC’s regulations, an illegal bowling action is not determined by how it looks, how fast it is, or how uncomfortable a batter feels facing it.

According to the ICC’s Illegal Bowling Regulations, a bowling action is deemed illegal only if the bowler’s elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees, measured from the moment the bowling arm reaches horizontal until the ball is released. Any natural hyperextension of the elbow is explicitly discounted.

Scientific research acknowledged by the ICC has established that almost all bowlers straighten their arm to some degree. The difference between bowling and throwing is not zero extension; it is excessive extension.

The 15-degree threshold exists because below that level, elbow straightening is not reliably detectable by the naked eye. Above it, the action begins to resemble a throw. In other words, appearances alone are not evidence.

Why On-Field Reactions Don’t Decide Legality?

Cameron Green’s reaction after his dismissal was visible and, to many viewers, telling. But under ICC regulations, a batter’s reaction, no matter how animated, has no bearing on whether an action is illegal. The responsibility lies solely with the on-field umpires and the match referee

If either believes a bowler’s action is suspect, they may submit a Match Officials’ Report after the match concludes. Importantly, this decision must be based on real-time observation at normal speed, not slow-motion replays or crowd reaction.

Slow-motion footage, under ICC rules, is only used to confirm an initial suspicion, not to form one.If no report is filed, the process does not begin. And if the process does not begin, the bowler is presumed legal.

Has Usman Tariq Been Reported?

As things stand, there is no indication that Usman Tariq has been officially reported following the Lahore T20I. While representing Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, Tariq was reported twice for a suspected illegal action, once during the 2024 season and again in 2025. On the first occasion, umpires Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth raised concerns. A year later, match officials Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown cited him again.

Both reports led to biomechanical testing at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy, conducted in line with established protocols. On both occasions, experts cleared Tariq’s action, allowing him to continue bowling in the tournament.

How the Process Would Work If a Report Were Filed?

If Usman Tariq were to be reported in an international match, the ICC’s framework is precise and structured. Depending on the match category, the bowler would either, undergo an Independent Assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre, or be reviewed by an Expert Panel using match footage

These assessments are conducted by qualified human movement specialists using high-speed cameras, 3D motion analysis, and standardised protocols. The bowler is required to replicate the exact deliveries under scrutiny, including any specific variations.

Only if the measured elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees would the action be ruled illegal. Until that happens, debate remains just that debate.

What do experts say about it?

Cricket commentator Paul Dennett voiced concern over how the situation has been handled publicly, writing on X that Tariq “deserves better,” pointing out that his action has been tested and cleared twice and questioning why a match-winning contribution should be overshadowed by online backlash.

Usman Tariq deserves better.

His action has twice been tested – and cleared.

Today should be a day to celebrate contributing to a win – not getting blasted on social media.

Cricket needs to handle this issue better. And people need to stop being cruel. #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/7gjubWCT9V

— Paul Dennett (@PaulDennett_) February 1, 2026

Australian opener Usman Khawaja also came to Tariq’s defence, highlighting the stigma attached to being labelled a “chucker” and urging fans to show perspective and restraint, especially when a player has already been cleared.

Former international umpire Tony McQuillan offered a technical perspective, stating that while Tariq’s action may appear unusual and round-arm, he does not believe it breaches the laws.

 

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And famous Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary declared Usman Tariq innocent in the Chucking case, watch video-

For now, the situation sits in a familiar but uncomfortable space. Legally, Usman Tariq has been cleared and procedurally, no new report has been filed.

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