In a recent podcast, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq revealed how Sunil Narine called him after the recent controversy over his action in The Hundred 2026.
Usman Tariq receives words of wisdom from Sunil Narine
Tim David became the latest addition to the list of batters objecting to Tariq’s bowling action when Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix locked horns last month. David edged a delivery from Tariq through to the wicketkeeper, but signalled to the umpire the delivery should have been a no ball because of Tariq's action. The decision stood, and David had to walk off the field.
This isn’t the first time that a batter has objected to Tariq's bowling action since the spinner burst onto the scene.
Tom Banton mimicked Tariq's action during the ILT20 Qualifier 1 clash between MI Emirates and Desert Vipers, which didn’t sit well with the spinner. The 28-year-old recently expressed that judging his bowling action should be left to the match officials, and isn’t the job of players.
Amidst all the chaos, Tariq voiced how West Indies legend Sunil Narine called him to share his experience with dealing with scrutiny over his bowling action. Narine also stated that the actions of the batters were a result of them not being able to pick Tariq.
"Narine called me just two days ago and discussed the issue for almost 30 minutes," said Tariq, on Fawad Alam's podcast. He advised me not to respond to such gestures, and to continue doing whatever has been working for me. He [Narine] said their actions were a result of frustration as they were unable to pick me, and all of their gestures came after I dismissed them, not when they were still batting. He explained that he was just passing on his experience as he had also been through that phase in his career."
Tariq has given multiple statements explaining that the cause for his hand bending at the time of release is a biological condition, and isn’t deliberate. Furthermore, he argues that even though his arm looks unusual, the amount of elbow extension at the time of release stays within the legal limit (which is 15 degrees of extension).
The mystery spinner’s bowling action has always been watched from close quarters. Earlier this year, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green happened to question Tariq’s bowling action during the second T20I between Australia and Pakistan. After Green was sent packing by Tariq, he mimicked a baseball-style throwing motion, which referred to his action.
Birmingham Phoenix currently sit at the bottom of the men's Hundred points table, with just one victory in four league matches, and will hope for a quick turnaround. Their next fixture is scheduled to be played on August 5 against the Trent Rockets.
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