Pak-India showdown: Shoaib Akhtar, Amir Sohail back Usman Tariq’s bowling action

ISLAMABAD: With the February 15 blockbuster between Pakistan and India fast approaching in Colombo, the spotlight has once again turned to Usman Tariq’s bowling action. The spinner, who has already been cleared twice under ICC regulations, has found his action under renewed scrutiny ahead of the tournament.

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind Pakistan’s spin attack, calling it the team’s biggest weapon and predicting a fiercely contested encounter rather than a one-sided affair.

Speaking to Indian media, Akhtar said that Pakistan possess high-quality spinners in Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, while the return of Shadab Khan adds balance and experience to the side.

According to Akhtar, Colombo’s conditions could amplify Pakistan’s spin threat against India’s batting line-up.

“Pakistan’s spin department will decide this match,” he said, adding that the importance of Pakistan’s participation in global events is reflected in the commercial buzz around the contest.

Akhtar said that ticket prices, hotel bookings and flight fares surged as soon as the fixture was confirmed.

He further argued that Pakistan-India clashes form the backbone of global cricket revenues, underlining the global interest attached to the rivalry.

He also stressed that cricket should unite rather than divide, noting that neutral venues should apply equally to all teams if used for bilateral tensions.

Former Pakistan captain Amir Sohail publicly defended Tariq on television, demonstrating the ICC’s 15-degree elbow extension rule and explaining that a slight bend in the arm is permissible under biomechanical laws.

Sohail said that many spinners exhibit a minor flex during delivery and that Tariq’s action remains within legal limits.

“If you start thinking about banning him on that basis, it would be unfair,” Sohail said, suggesting that much of the noise stems from the difficulties batsmen face in picking Tariq’s variations.

Tariq’s unique action — which includes a brief pause before release — has made him particularly difficult to read, especially for opponents facing him for the first time in a global tournament.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has labelled Tariq the team’s “trump card” ahead of the contest, though he emphasised that all 15 squad members remain equally important.

“Usman has been cleared twice. I don’t understand why his action is repeatedly questioned, but it doesn’t affect him,” Agha said at the pre-match press conference in Colombo.

He said that Pakistan are well adapted to the conditions and prepared for all scenarios, including rain-shortened games.

On the other side, India captain Suryakumar Yadav sought to downplay the narrative around the rivalry.

“It’s just a game. We play each other regularly,” Yadav said. While acknowledging that Pakistan’s spinners are performing well, he insisted India have prepared specific plans to counter them.

When asked about shaking hands with Pakistan players, Yadav responded light-heartedly: “Wait 24 hours. We are here to play good cricket. Let’s eat, sleep, and see what happens tomorrow.”

Yadav also credited Pakistan for strong performances in the Asia Cup and said handling pressure would be key.

“A Pakistan-India match comes with pressure. You have to control your nerves and play good cricket.”

With spin narratives, action debates, commercial hype and captaincy mind games all converging, Sunday’s clash promises to be shaped as much by composure as by craft.