BREAKING NEWS
8 dead as gas pipeline blast triggers fire in Haripur industrial area • Police launch investigation after allegations against Katy Perry • Mahira Khan highlights Pakistan’s cultural identity at Harvard Pakistan conference • Shah Rukh Khan’s ex-bodyguard shares insights into superstar’s life • Europe faces jet fuel crunch as Middle East disruption threatens flight operations • PM Shehbaz arrives in Antalya for third phase of peace mission • Salman Agha advocates gradual path for PSL performers • COAS Asim Munir visits Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya HQ • Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by 8 wickets • Trump signals possible Pakistan visit amid progress in US–Iran talks • PM Shehbaz meets Saudi Crown Prince, discusses regional stability and bilateral ties • Pakistan praised for mediation efforts as Iran–US talks expected to continue in Islamabad • Peshawar Zalmi cruise to 8-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in PSL 11 • China passes legislation authorizing response to foreign economic actions • Taylor Swift tops American Music Awards nominations with eight nods
Advertise with us >

Usman Tariq

Salman Agha calls Usman Tariq ‘trump aard’ ahead of clash against India

by
Salman Agha

Colombo: Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has termed spinner Usman Tariq as the team’s “trump card” ahead of the much-anticipated match against India, stressing that his side must focus on playing quality cricket.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Salman said all players in the squad are equally important, but Usman Tariq holds special value for the team. “You all have made him what he is today; for us, he is a trump card,” he remarked.

Responding to questions regarding concerns over Usman Tariq’s bowling action, the captain clarified that the spinner has already been cleared twice. “I don’t know why the issue is being discussed again. It does not affect Usman at all. We cannot stop people from expressing opinions; everyone has that right,” he added.

Looking ahead to the high-profile encounter, Salman emphasized that the team is fully prepared. “It will be another big-level match tomorrow. We are ready and need to play good cricket. We are familiar with the conditions and understand the pitch. Rain is beyond our control, but we also have plans in place if overs are reduced,” he said.

The skipper reiterated that all 15 squad members are important and that the playing XI will be selected based on match conditions. He also backed Babar Azam, expressing confidence in his form. “Babar is scoring runs. There is no concern from our side, and we hope he continues to perform tomorrow as well.”

On Pakistan’s World Cup record against India, Salman admitted that history has not been in Pakistan’s favor but insisted the team has learned from past experiences. “We have prepared plans for India’s entire playing XI and will aim to deliver a strong performance,” he stated.

When asked about India’s aggressive batter Abhishek Sharma, the Pakistan captain said he hoped the player’s recovery was going well and that he would be available for his side.

Speaking about leadership pressure, Salman concluded, “When you are captain, there is added responsibility and pressure. You represent your country, and all eyes are on you. Our job is to play good cricket on the field.”

Indian captain confident of strategy against Usman Tariq

by
Indian captain

Colombo: India captain Suryakumar Yadav has said his team has prepared a clear strategy against Pakistan, particularly their spin attack, ahead of the high-voltage encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Suryakumar said preparations for the Pakistan match were carried out according to schedule. “A Pakistan-India match is ultimately just a game. It’s not as if we don’t play enough cricket. We will try to deliver our best performance,” he remarked.

Referring to Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, the Indian skipper described him as a different kind of cricketer but stressed that India would not surrender. “Pakistan’s spinners are bowling well. We have made our plans accordingly,” he added.

When asked about shaking hands with Pakistan players, Suryakumar responded lightheartedly, saying, “Wait 24 hours for the handshake. We are here to play good cricket and will focus on that. Have dinner, get some rest, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

The Indian captain also acknowledged Pakistan’s recent performances, noting that they played impressive cricket in the Asia Cup and have continued that form. He admitted that Pakistan-India matches always bring added pressure, but emphasized that controlling nerves and executing skills on the field is key to success.

Former Indian cricketer and Umpire clear Usman Tariq’s bowling action

by
Former Indian cricketer

Ahead of the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup match, concerns over Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action have been addressed by former Indian cricketer Anil Choudhary, following earlier clarification by Ravichandran Ashwin.

Usman Tariq, whose bowling style differs slightly from traditional spinners, has been under scrutiny on social media and mainstream media in India, with critics questioning his pause during delivery. However, the ICC has fully cleared his action, and he successfully bowled against the USA earlier in the tournament.

Speaking on an Indian digital show, umpire Anil Choudhary confirmed that Usman Tariq’s bowling action is legitimate. He noted that Tariq pauses during every delivery as part of his routine action, making it completely legal under ICC regulations.

Choudhary explained that problems would arise only if Tariq deviates from his routine action and bowls without the usual pause, as such changes could be challenged by the batter.

He cited previous instances where players like Andre Russell faced scrutiny when they altered their usual actions mid-game.

When asked whether a batter could raise a complaint if Usman pauses excessively, Choudhary clarified that umpires would assess the situation according to the bowler’s routine.

If no significant change is observed, the action remains legal; otherwise, the batter may approach the umpire. In cases where a batter refuses to play without valid reason, the umpire can issue a time-wasting warning.

Earlier, Ashwin had also stated that the legality of a bowling action is determined only through ICC testing centers, and according to ICC rules, a 15-degree elbow flexion is allowed. Pauses during delivery, he added, are fully compliant with these regulations.

This clarification comes at a crucial time as Pakistan prepares to face India, easing concerns about Usman Tariq’s participation and effectiveness in the high-stakes clash.