Image Credit- PCB
Usman Tariq, the
mystery spinner for the Quetta Gladiators, has come under fire for questionable
bowling behaviour. He was mentioned during Wednesday’s Gladiators vs. Karachi
Kings game.
However, the report does not imply that Tariq’s bowling privileges are
suspended. He has been permitted to continue until a PCB-approved facility can
be found for a bowling action test. He won’t be permitted to bowl again,
though, if he is reported during the PSL.
Tariq has become
well-known as one of the most unconventional spin bowlers in the PSL during his
maiden season there. The right arm spinner approaches his delivery stride
almost completely stopped, then uses a slinging, side-arm motion to fire
offspinners. His performance in the competition has been mediocre, especially
when it comes to his economy rate—in the three games he has participated, he
has given up 5.73 goals.
Abrar Ahmed is perhaps Pakistan’s best spin bowling option, and the Gladiators
have used Tariq in three of their games. By recent standards, they have had a
great season, winning four and losing two. They are one win away from earning
their first postseason berth in five years.
There is no word yet
on when his bowling action test can be arranged. Pakistan do have an
ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore, but with the remaining PSL
fixtures scheduled for Karachi and Rawalpindi, it is unclear if Tariq will need
to travel to the city before the tournament concludes.