Tariq impressed with figures of 3-27 in Pakistan\u2019s Group A win over the USA on Tuesday, securing his side\u2019s second victory of the tournament. However, despite his match-winning performance, attention quickly shifted to his bowling action, sparking debate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Known for a visible bend in his arm and an unconventional run-up, Tariq has faced questions over the legality of his action and whether it would stand up to international scrutiny, including in top T20 leagues. During Pakistan\u2019s recent bilateral series against Australia, all-rounder Cameron Green had also raised concerns about the spinner\u2019s action.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Wednesday, former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami criticised Tariq\u2019s pause during his run-up, comparing it to a rule change in football that disallows players from pausing during a penalty run-up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Even football doesn\u2019t allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this ok? Action - all good. But pause? That too while loading to deliver. This can\u2019t be continued seriously!\u201d Goswami wrote on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Responding to the objection, Ashwin questioned why bowlers often face stricter regulations compared to batters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Agree football doesn\u2019t allow it! While the batter can be allowed to switch-hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler after him\/her commits to start batting on one side, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler? In fact the bowler isn\u2019t allowed to change the arm with which he\/she bowls without informing the umpire! They should first change that rule,\u201d Ashwin wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Responding to the objection, Ashwin questioned why bowlers often face stricter regulations compared to batters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legality of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing centre. Secondly, there is a 15-degree rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow straight, and to judge if a bowler is bowling within that 15-degree mark by the on-field umpire is impossible. The only solution to that is having a real-time in-competition testing tool. The above is a grey area and to accuse someone of utilising the grey area is wrong. Finally, if the pause at the crease is legal or not, and I believe that it is entirely legal because that is his regular action.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n