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Quetta Gladiators' spinner Usman Tariq has come under scrutiny for a questionable bowling action during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season, flagged by umpires Richard Illingworth and Asif Yaqoob. Usman Tariq's bowling action came under scanner during a PSL 2024 encounter between Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings, a match that saw Shan Masood's side emerging victorious in a closely contested game, during which the off-spinner's action raised concerns.
In response, the management of the Gladiators has approached the PCB with a request to facilitate a bowling action assessment for Usman, which is set to be conducted under the auspices of the board at a later date.
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PCB reports Usman Tariq's questionable bowling action
“Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported for a suspect bowling action during the HBL PSL 9 fixture between Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings on 6 March at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi," PCB's media release read.
“The Quetta Gladiators team management has requested the PCB to allow Usman to undergo the bowling action test which will take place at a PCB-approved facility in due course,” it added.
This marks Tariq's debut season in the PSL, where he has quickly gained attention for his distinctive spin bowling technique. The right-arm spinner is noted for almost halting just before his delivery stride, then employing a unique side-arm action to bowl his off-spinners. Throughout the tournament, he has displayed commendable efficiency, especially in terms of his economy rate, which stands at 5.73 across three matches.
Umpires Richard Illingworth and Asif Yaqoob harbored sufficient reservations about the off-spinner's bowling technique to warrant a report. Veteran Pakistani sports journalist, Shahid Hashmi, provided insight into the concerns surrounding the bowler's action. The hesitation observed in the bowler's stride just prior to releasing the ball introduced a level of suspicion for the umpires, prompting them to deem it potentially illegal.
Hashmi further detailed that Tariq's go-to deliveries include the off-break, leg-break, and carrom-ball. Despite his versatile skill set, the primary concerns leading to the report of his action stem from his unique delivery stride and the notable pause within it. Throughout the three matches he has participated in, the spinner has secured two wickets.
In the meantime, Karachi Kings emerged victorious in their match against the Gladiators, successfully chasing a target of 119 in just 16 overs to win by seven wickets. This victory revitalises their playoff aspirations. Despite the loss, the Gladiators remain in second place on the league table.
Saud Shakeel was the standout performer for the Quetta Gladiators with a top score of 33 during their innings. Notably, power-hitter Jason Roy managed only 15 runs, and captain Rilee Rossouw added a mere 10 to the total. A significant portion of the Gladiators' lineup, with six batters, fell for single figures, leaving the lower order unable to make a meaningful contribution to the team's total.
For the Kings, Tim Seifert led the charge with a brisk 49 off 31 balls, while contributions of 27 from both Shoaib Malik and James Vince played pivotal roles in the team's triumph. Hasan Ali, with his four-wicket haul, critically undermined the Gladiators' batting, earning him the Player of the Match title for his outstanding performance.
Multan Sultans top the PSL 2024 points table
As the PSL 2024 season progresses towards the playoffs, the standings are becoming clearer. Multan Sultans lead the pack with 12 points, followed by the Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi tied at nine points each. Islamabad United is not far behind with seven points, Karachi Kings at six points, and the reigning champions Lahore Qalandars have also marked their presence on the board with a recent victory over Islamabad.
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