Usman Tariq, an off-spinner for Quetta Gladiators, has been in hot water after being cited for questionable bowling behaviour during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) game on Sunday, April 13 between Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 27-year-old faces the possibility of facing a future bowling ban.
After the Gladiators’ disheartening defeat to the Lahore Qalandars, it appeared that one of their players would be in danger of missing the most of the competition. Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown, the on-field umpires, flagged it this time.
Usman Tariq‘s activity has been documented twice, the first time being during PSL 2024.
Tariq can still bowl in the forthcoming games, according to a statement from the PCB. However, if the off-spinner is reported again, there may be a risk that he will be suspended from bowling and would need to get permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to The Times of India, the PCB said, “Usman Tariq can continue to bowl in future (PSL) matches as per the rules, but if he is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC-accredited lab before he can resume bowling.”
What took place throughout the game?
With half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman (67 off 39 deliveries) and Sam Billings (50* off 19 deliveries), as well as a few brief appearances from Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell, Lahore Qalandars, who batted first in the match, amassed 219 runs in the first innings. With stats of 1/31 in his four overs, Usman was the gladiators’ most economical bowler.
The team captained by Saud Shakeel lost the match by 79 runs after being knocked out for just 140 in the second innings. With 44 runs off just 19 deliveries, South African batsman Rilee Rossouw’s innings was the only one that had some substance for the Quetta squad.