Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq reported for bowling action

RAWALPINDI: Usman Tariq of the Quetta Gladiators was reported for his bowling action in Sunday’s match against the Lahore Qalandars.

In a press release, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Tariq, 27, was reported by umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown. They added that Tariq will be permitted to continue bowling in the PSL, but will be suspended if his action is reported again.

If he is reported again, he will need to obtain clearance from an International Cricket Council (ICC) Accredited Biomechanics Laboratory. One such testing centre is available at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). There are four others in the world in Brisbane, Chennai, Loughborough, and Pretoria.

In regards to the issue, the umpires concern is whether Tariq’s elbow is extended by more than 15 degrees during his action.

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“An Illegal Bowling Action is where a player is throwing rather than bowling the ball. This is defined by the ICC as being where the player’s elbow extends by an amount of more than 15 degrees between their arm reaching the horizontal and the ball being released.”

From ICC’s official website

If the issue persists, Tariq will need to modify his bowling action until he can successfully pass the testing process at an ICC Accredited Testing Centre.

The Gladiators have played two matches thus far, winning their first against the Peshawar Zalmi on April 12, and losing their second against the Lahore Qalandars. They will play their next match in Karachi on April 18, when they face off against the Karachi Kings. Tariq has taken three wickets in the two matches he’s played, including two on consecutive deliveries against the Zalmi, which propelled the Gladiators into a winning position, and one yesterday against the Qalandars.

Also read: PSL 10: Lahore Qalandars defeat Quetta Gladiators