‘Bhatta hai’: Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq, inspired by MS Dhoni, faces online heat for his weird bowling action

Synopsis

On his T20I debut, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq faced renewed scrutiny over his bowling action, a debate previously settled by experts. Despite online chatter, Tariq impressed on the field, taking two wickets as Pakistan secured a series win. His journey to the national team was notably inspired by the MS Dhoni biopic.

Pakistan’s new mystery spinner Usman Tariq sparked a storm online during his international debut in Lahore, as fans questioned his bowling action and called it “bhatta”, a slang often used in the subcontinent for chucking. The chatter erupted midway through the final T20I against South Africa, with cricket followers posting clips and debating whether his arm bend was natural or not. Tariq, who has already been cleared by officials earlier this year, suddenly found himself fielding social media judgement on the night of his biggest career milestone.

Tariq’s action history

The spinner first came under scrutiny in March 2024 during the Pakistan Super League, where he was reported for a suspect action just three games into the tournament. Days later, he passed an official assessment at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore and returned to bowling without restrictions.

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Speaking to MYK Sports earlier, Tariq explained his arm structure and technique. He had said, “I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”

Fans debate and memes roll in

Soon after his debut overs, the internet turned into a comedy and critique zone. While many questioned the movement of his arm, others defended him, arguing that biomechanical experts had already cleared his action. Memes and reactions flowed in, adding a dramatic twist to what was meant to be a quiet debut night.

Dhoni effect: the film that changed his life

Tariq’s journey to the Pakistan team is nothing short of a movie script itself. Once frustrated by repeated non-selection, he left cricket and moved to Dubai, taking up a salesman job. His comeback spark came from an unlikely place — the film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Watching the former Indian captain’s struggles and perseverance pushed Tariq to quit his job, return home, and chase cricket again.

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Pakistan seal series win

Amid the noise around Tariq’s arm, Pakistan clinched a 2–1 win over South Africa. Babar Azam struck a timely 68 off 47 balls — his first T20I half-century in 18 months — as the hosts chased down 140. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling with 3 for 26, while Tariq contributed with 2 for 26 on debut, removing Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis. Faheem Ashraf added another two wickets as South Africa finished at 139 for 9.

Debut joy meets digital trial

For Tariq, the biggest night of his cricketing life quickly turned into a parallel courtroom — part selectors, part fans, and a large jury on social media. And while the internet debated his delivery, the scoreboard quietly backed his talent on debut.

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