Pakistan's emerging spinner Usman Tariq has strongly hinted that he received a formal apology from Australian allrounder Cameron Green, effectively closing the book on last week's contentious 'chucking' controversy that marred their T20 international series.
The Controversial Incident That Sparked Debate
During the second match of the three-game T20 series between Pakistan and Australia, Green appeared to mock Tariq's distinctive bowling action after being dismissed by the spinner. The Australian batsman seemed to mimic Tariq's unique sidearm, slinging delivery style as he returned to the team dugout, creating immediate controversy.
Tariq, playing only his third T20 international match, responded creatively on social media, sharing a video of a crying child with the caption "After getting out" on his Instagram account. This digital exchange highlighted the tension between the two international cricketers.
A History of Scrutiny and Clearance
This was not the first time Tariq's unconventional bowling action had come under scrutiny. Cricket experts have twice cleared his distinctive delivery method after formal reports during both the 2024 and 2025 Pakistan Super League seasons.
According to International Cricket Council regulations, a bowling action is deemed illegal if a player's elbow extends more than 15 degrees during the delivery stride. This measurement period begins when the bowling arm reaches horizontal position and continues until ball release.
Closing the Chapter on Controversy
Despite the on-field incident and social media exchange, there was no official indication that match officials or the Australian team management lodged any formal complaint about Tariq's action. The spinner himself suggested the matter was now resolved, posting "Apology accepted" on Instagram accompanied by halo and salute emojis.
Green's former Australian Test teammate Usman Khawaja publicly supported Tariq, sharing cricket journalist Paul Dennett's opinion that he "felt so sorry" for the Pakistan spinner. Khawaja described this assessment as "spot on" and added significant context to the discussion.
"There aren't many things worse than being called a 'chucker' in cricket," Khawaja stated emphatically. "The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and been cleared twice. Let's have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions."
Tariq's Medical Explanation and Defense
The Pakistan spinner has previously provided a detailed medical explanation for his unusual bowling action, revealing that he has "two elbows" in his arm that naturally bend in a distinctive manner.
"There are two corners on my elbow which makes it hard for me to straighten," Tariq explained to The National newspaper late last year. "That makes confusion for the spectators. I have given two tests at labs in Pakistan. My action was cleared. When I went for the test, within one week, it was cleared. I didn't get the answer that you have to change your action, or improve the degrees. I was confident about my action because I know that I am not throwing."
Tariq offered strong advice to critics of bowling actions, stating: "I would love to give a message on this platform that every single person who is commenting on these things, they should study first about cricket, then they should go for the allegations. If you don't have knowledge about cricket and you are just commenting or sharing your thoughts, then illiteracy can kill knowledge. It is better to have knowledge, then after you can comment on anyone."
Performance Context and Future Prospects
Despite the controversy, Tariq delivered a strong performance in the second ODI, dismissing Australian batsman Matthew Kuhnemann during Pakistan's convincing 90-run victory. Although he missed selection for the third and final ODI, which Pakistan won by 111 runs, he remains part of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad.
His participation in the upcoming tournament depends on Pakistan's continued involvement, following their decision to boycott the match against India. The resolution of this bowling controversy comes at a crucial time as international cricket prepares for major global competitions.
