The Gaddafi Stadium erupted in cheers as Pakistan sealed their T20 series win against South Africa. But one player’s celebration was drowned out by social media fury. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq, making his international debut, became cricket’s hottest talking point overnight – for all the wrong reasons.
The Moment That Broke the Internet
During the 10th over of South Africa’s innings, cameras captured Tariq’s delivery to Donovan Ferreira in shocking detail. As he released the ball, his arm appeared to straighten dramatically beyond normal limits. The footage spread like wildfire across platforms within minutes.
WHAT THE HELL!!!!😡
Usman Tariq- THE NEW BHATTA BOWLER OF PAKISTAN
Why do these frauds come from Pakistan????
He is chucking while bowling.
BHATTA FEK RAHA HAI YE TOH!!!
ICC should immediately take action against him!!#ICC #PAKvSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/gASRtK58YH— Lakshya Bhadauria (@IamLakshya18) November 1, 2025
Cricket Fans Demand Answers
Social media exploded with reactions:
- “This is daylight robbery! How is this allowed?” tweeted former player @CricketTruth
- Memes comparing Tariq to a baseball pitcher flooded Instagram
- YouTube analysis videos dissecting his action gained millions of views overnight
The outrage centered on one question: Why wasn’t this called a no-ball? ICC rules permit up to 15 degrees of arm flexion. Many fans argued Tariq’s bend appeared far beyond this limit.
Not His First Rodeo
This wasn’t Tariq’s first bowling action controversy:
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Reported during PSL | Cleared after NCA tests |
| November 2025 | SA T20I controversy | Under ICC review |
Tariq has always maintained his unusual action is natural. “I have two elbows in my arm. It’s biological,” he told MYK Sports earlier this year. Medical reports from Lahore’s National Cricket Academy support his claim.
From Salesman to Sensation
Tariq’s journey makes his controversy even more remarkable. Just three years ago, he’d quit cricket completely.
Working as a Dubai salesman, he’d given up on his dreams – until watching MS Dhoni’s biopic changed everything. “Dhoni’s struggles mirrored mine,” Tariq revealed in a heartfelt interview. “That movie gave me courage to try one last time.”
Match-Winning Performance Overshadowed
Amid the chaos, cricket nearly became a footnote. Tariq actually delivered crucial figures of 2/26, removing key batsmen Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis. His efforts helped restrict South Africa to 139/9.
Captain Babar Azam then sealed the 2-1 series win with a masterful 68*. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery 3/26 in the powerplay set the victory foundation.
What Happens Next?
The cricket world now waits for ICC’s response. Possible scenarios:
- Official biomechanical testing
- Clearance with continued monitoring
- Suspension if rules violated
Pakistan’s cricket board stands by their player. “Usman passed all tests before selection,” a PCB spokesperson stated. “We trust ICC’s processes.”
As Tariq prepares for the upcoming ODI series, one thing’s certain – all eyes will be on that unusual right arm. Whether it’s natural gift or unfair advantage, this controversy isn’t ending soon.
