'They're only doing this because they can't pick you': Pakistan's Usman Tariq recalls Sunil Narine's support during bowling action controversy

Pakistan’s unorthodox spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action is often in the news with batters’ questioning its legitimacy. Batters like Cameron Green, Daryl Mitchell and Tim David have expressed their dissent on the ground whether it is international cricket or franchise cricket. Most recently, David had reignited the controversy during the Hundred 2026 clash. It led to Tariq urging umpires’ intervention. But, amid controversies, the spinner has recalled how legendary Caribbean spinner Sunil Narine had called and motivating him. Narine asked him not to respond and let the ball do the talking.

"Sunil Narine called me, and we spoke for almost 30 minutes. He told me, 'Whatever these people are doing, don't respond to them. They're only doing this because they can't pick you. Just keep doing what you're doing'," Tariq said in an interview with former Pakistan batter Fawad Alam.

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Tariq's action has been reported twice but the ICC-accredited biomechanics gave him a green light.

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Tariq had made his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut for Trinbago Knight Riders. He helped the Narine-led side win the title with 20 wickets from 10 games, averaging 13.95, including two four-fers.

Later, he earned a place in Pakistan’s T20I side as well. But, his services alone were not enough to take Pakistan past the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage. He was expensive in the match against co-hosts Sri Lanka as well.

Tariq currently playing The Hundred, CPL next

But, Tariq has established himself in franchise cricket. He is currently representing Birmingham Phoenix, taking a couple of wickets from four games. He will be next in action again on August 5. Tariq and Trent Rockets' David go up against at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

After fulfilling his commitments for Birmingham Phoenix, he will head to CPL 2026. Defending champions TKR's campaign starts on August 8. However, it isn't clear which will be Tariq's first game with the franchise.

He is not part of Pakistan’s squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.