PSL 2026: Usman Tariq has quickly become a talking point in world cricket, largely because of his unusual bowling style. The off-spinner uses a distinctive stop-and-pause side-arm action that makes it tough for batters to predict his delivery.
His action drew major attention during the 2026 T20 World Cup, where opinions were split. Some praised his effectiveness, while others questioned the fairness of the technique. Before India faced Pakistan in that tournament, Ravichandran Ashwin had even suggested a smart way to counter him. He advised Indian batters to step out of their stance whenever Tariq pauses during his run-up.
Daryl Mitchell Puts the Idea into Action in PSL 2026
Although Indian players didn't try that approach, Daryl Mitchell did exactly that in a Pakistan Super League 2026 match. The moment came during a game between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz on April 10 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Mitchell's move didn't go unnoticed. Ashwin praised him for thinking differently and using the rules to his advantage.
"Now it's up to the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery. If the pause isn't consistent, then the batter has every right to move away. The captains and opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done, Mitchell," wrote Ashwin on X.
"Mitchell is right. So is Tariq. The timing of the pause should be monitored to see if he delays it ball to ball," he wrote further.
R Ashwin Had Already Spoken About This Tactic
Interestingly, Ashwin had discussed this exact scenario earlier in the year on his YouTube channel. He explained how batters could legally respond if they felt unsure about the timing of Tariq's delivery.
"If he (Usman Tariq) stops before delivering the ball, the batsman has the right to move away. He can say, 'I thought he was stopping.' That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire.
"If I was there, I would have done it. One should do everything to win a game within the rules. I would simply say I don't know when he will release the ball, and I would step away. If I move away, it is the umpire's responsibility.
"Imagine the pressure on Usman Tariq in the middle of the match. It would be an incredible joyride. He is the ace up their sleeves; imagine what he becomes if the batsman reacts like that."
With players now starting to experiment against him, Tariq's bowling style continues to divide opinions and add an extra layer of intrigue every time he steps onto the field.