COLOMBO : Pakistan captain Salman Agha on Friday defended off-spinner Usman Tariq’s unorthodox bowling action, describing the 28-year-old as the team’s “X factor” on the eve of their Twenty20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands.
Tariq, who has played three T20 Internationals since making his debut against South Africa in November, has twice been reported for a suspect action during the Pakistan Super League. His delivery involves a brief pause close to the crease before releasing the ball with a side-arm, sling-shot motion.
Despite the scrutiny, Salman insisted there were no issues with the spinner’s action.
“I don’t understand why we are talking about his action because in my opinion it is a fair action,” Salman told reporters. “He has been tested twice and he has been cleared.”
Tariq claimed two wickets in his second T20 international against Australia in Lahore, including that of Cameron Green, who made a chucking gesture as he walked off after being dismissed.
“I think there is no problem in his action,” Salman added. “Yes, he is the X factor of the team, and where we feel that we need an X factor, we will definitely use him.”
Pakistan face a tight path to the Super 8 stage after deciding to boycott their Group A match against defending champions India amid political tensions between the neighbours.
The group also includes the United States, who shocked Pakistan via a Super Over at the 2024 edition of the tournament.
Salman said his side could not afford complacency, even against teams considered outside the elite.
“It is very important because you haven’t played much against these sides and you don’t really know their strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “So it is very, very important to bring your A game, and we as a team only think about how we can execute our plans for 40 overs.”
