Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq Addresses Cameron Green Gesture Controversy
Pakistan leg-spinner Usman Tariq found himself at the heart of a social media storm following the second T20 International against Australia in Lahore, delivering a pointed response online after an on-field incident involving Australian all-rounder Cameron Green sparked widespread debate about his bowling action.
The Controversial Moment at Gaddafi Stadium
The episode unfolded at Lahore's historic Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday evening during Australia's challenging run chase. In the 11th over of the innings, Green attempted an aggressive stroke against Tariq's bowling but was ultimately dismissed by the crafty spinner. As the Australian power-hitter made his way back to the dressing room, television cameras captured him making a distinctive hand movement that numerous viewers and cricket analysts interpreted as questioning the legality of Tariq's bowling action.
The brief clip spread like wildfire across various social media platforms, triggering intense discussions among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Some sections of fans and commentators even called for official action against the Pakistan spinner, reigniting longstanding debates about his unconventional bowling technique.
Tariq's Subtle Social Media Response
A day after the incident, Tariq appeared to hit back without directly naming any individual. The spinner shared a carefully selected meme on his Instagram account on Sunday, cleverly implying that the reaction stemmed primarily from frustration after being dismissed. While the post contained no explicit reference to Green or the specific incident, cricket followers widely interpreted it as Tariq's measured response to the previous night's controversy.
History of Scrutiny Over Bowling Action
Tariq's bowling action has attracted consistent scrutiny throughout his career due to its unconventional nature, which features a noticeable pause before the ball is released. The spinner has faced official challenges on multiple occasions, having been reported twice for a suspect action during his participation in the Pakistan Super League.
On both those occasions, Tariq underwent comprehensive biomechanical testing and was subsequently cleared to continue bowling. The spinner found himself embroiled in a similar controversy ahead of the ILT20 final in the United Arab Emirates, where he staunchly defended his action by asserting it remained well within the permitted 15-degree limit for elbow extension established by the International Cricket Council.
Pakistan's Dominant Performance
On the field, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance throughout the match. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the home team posted an imposing total of 198 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was built around a masterful 76 from captain Salman Agha and a fluent 53 by wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, who provided crucial momentum during the middle overs.
Australia's reply never gained substantial traction, with the visitors being bowled out for just 108 runs in 15.4 overs. Cameron Green emerged as the only Australian batter to cross the 30-run mark, making his dismissal by Tariq particularly significant in the context of the match. The comprehensive victory handed Pakistan an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series, showcasing their dominance in the T20 format against a formidable Australian side.
The incident has highlighted how on-field moments can quickly translate into off-field controversies in the digital age, with players increasingly using social media platforms to address perceptions and defend their professional integrity.
