Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s ‘pause and deliver’ bowling action sparked fresh controversy in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this week after Daryl Mitchell pulled out of facing him twice in succession during their face-off. India legend Ravichandran Ashwin backed the New Zealand batter’s daring move, adding fuel to the debate. Amid the chatter, Tariq responded by calling for the introduction of a “penalty” against such acts.
The incident occurred on Friday, when Mitchell was batting for Rawalpindi in a PSL clash in Lahore, as the side chased 183 against Quetta Gladiators.
At 54 for three, Tariq was introduced into the attack. After the first three deliveries yielded singles, Mitchell raised his hand and stepped away just as Tariq paused in his delivery stride. He repeated the act on the very next ball, pulling away again as Tariq approached release, leaving the Gladiators visibly frustrated.
Wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay was seen exchanging words with Mitchell before umpire Sharfuddoula intervened to speak with the batter.
Ashwin backs Mitchell
When a similar controversy around Tariq’s action surfaced during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, Ashwin had challenged batters to step away if a bowler paused mid-action. The move, he suggested, would put the onus on umpires while also applying pressure on the bowler.
Mitchell appeared to have taken up that suggestion, with Ashwin publicly backing his call.
“Now it’s up to the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery. If the pause isn’t consistent, then the batter has every right to move away,” Ashwin wrote on X.
As it turned out, the umpire sided with Tariq, finding no issue with his action, with the pause deemed part of his natural rhythm. Tariq remained unfazed, picking up two wickets in an economical spell of 2 for 23 in four overs, as Quetta secured a 61-run win.
Tariq responds
Taking to Instagram a day after Ashwin’s post, Tariq called for a penalty if a batter “deliberately” distracts the bowler or wastes time.
“Unsporting conduct (foul play): If the batter does this continuously to deliberately distract the bowler or waste time, it can be deemed unfair play. The umpire has the discretion to warn the batter, and if it continues, issue a penalty — usually five penalty runs to the fielding side. Happy to hear five penalty runs. Keep it up,” he wrote.
Tariq will next be seen in action on April 15 against Peshawar Zalmi in Karachi.
