Ravichandran Ashwin on Usman Tariq Action Legal: Usman Tariq, one such Pakistani bowler whose bowling action is being discussed a lot. On Monday, the match between Pakistan and USA was played in the T20 World Cup, in which the Pakistani team won by 32 runs. Actually, Usman Tariq’s 4 overs had contributed a lot to Pakistan’s victory. Some people are calling his bowling action ‘Bhatta bowling’ while others have called this action completely illegal. Now Ravichandran Ashwin has given his reaction to this entire controversy.
Ravichandran Ashwin explained the entire game
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin told through social media, “I will try to make it as clear as possible. First of all, whether Usman Tariq’s bowling action is legal or not, it can be known only in the ICC’s Bowling Action Testing Centre.”
Ashwin further reminded of the 15 degree rule. He said that a bowler should not bend his elbow more than 15 degrees. It is impossible for the ground umpire to measure whether a bowler is bending his elbow more than 15 degrees.
Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing centre.
Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within… pic.twitter.com/RbTkY6xJ3h
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026
Also told the solution
Ravichandran Ashwin told that this can be detected only through the testing tool while he (Usman Tariq) is bowling. He said that it is wrong to just take advantage of ambiguity and accuse someone.
On whether Usman Tariq’s throwing the ball by stopping his hand is legal or illegal, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I think his action is completely legal. Because this is his regular action.”
Let us tell you that while commentating during the Pakistan vs USA match, Irfan Pathan had said that Usman Tariq gets an advantage over the batsman by bowling with his hands stopped.
Also read:
2 runs needed in 3 balls, Afghanistan’s last batsman was out on a free hit; South Africa won in the super-over

