PSL 2024: Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq reported for suspicious bowling action

Quetta Gladiators’ mystery spinner Usman Tariq has found himself under scrutiny in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. In the match against Karachi Kings on Wednesday, March 6, the umpire pointed out his suspicious bowling action as he almost grinds to a halt before unleashing offspinners with a slinging, side-arm action. Meanwhile, the report doesn’t automatically suspend him from bowling. Instead, Tariq has been allowed to continue playing until a bowling action test can be organized at a PCB-approved facility.

However, if Tariq repeats the same in the PSL again, he will be handed a suspension from PCB. Similar things happened to Sunil Narine in the Indian Premier League, in which the former West Indies international was suspended for a brief time before he changed his action. Meanwhile, in case Tariq is ruled out, Gladiators have Abrar Ahmed as a backup. The 25-year-old has picked up 11 wickets in six matches so far and that’s a positive sign. However, Tariq proved to be extremely economical, which can benefit them if the spinner is cleared.

As for the timing of the bowling action test, there’s no official word yet. Pakistan do have an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore, but with the remaining PSL fixtures scheduled for Karachi and Rawalpindi, it remains uncertain whether Tariq will have the time to travel to Lahore before the tournament concludes. 

Meanwhile, the Gladiators have done well in the ongoing season and are close to securing their berth for the playoffs. They have nine points from seven games and a win over Peshawar Zalmi in their upcoming match can seal the deal for the Rilee Rossouw-led side. Openers Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel have done well for them so far but the middle-order batters have failed to show consistency, which remains to be a concern.

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When it comes to bowlers, Abrar has been the standout option but the likes of Akeal Hossain and Mohammad Amir have done a decent job but there remains a lot of room for improvement.