Amid the 2026 T20 World Cup, questions raised about Usman Tariq's action have reignited the chucking controversy in Pakistan cricket. Even prominent names like Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Hafeez have faced similar issues.

Spinner Usman Tariq's bowling action has been under constant scrutiny for the 2026 T20 World Cup. During matches, opposing players and some former cricketers have criticized his action. Although no official decision has yet been made by the ICC, the issue has become a topic of discussion.

This isn't the first time in Pakistan cricket history that a bowler has been accused of "chucking," or bending the elbow beyond the permissible limit. Several prominent names have been embroiled in this controversy before.

Shoaib Akhtar was also involved in controversies

Shoaib Akhtar, considered one of the world's fastest bowlers, has had his career marked by questions. Initially, objections were raised about his action. A medical examination later revealed that his elbow structure differed from that of a normal bowler, causing it to bend more. Following the examination, he was cleared to bowl again. Shoaib was also known for his aggressive style, and at one point, he said that even top batsmen were uncomfortable with his pace.

Saeed Ajmal's career was affected

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was one of Pakistan's most successful bowlers, but in 2014, his action was found to exceed the 15-degree limit in an ICC Test match. He was subsequently banned. Ajmal returned with a modified action, but his bowling was not as effective as before. This controversy proved to be a major setback for his career.

Mohammad Hafeez's name also included

Mohammad Hafeez has also been reported several times for suspect action, facing bans and having to repeatedly modify his action.

Shahid Afridi and other cases

Shahid Afridi's fast bowling action was also questioned early in his career, although he was not officially banned. In 2005, Shabbir Ahmed was also banned for a year. In 2022, Mohammad Hasnain had to take some time off from cricket to improve his action during the Big Bash League.

What do the rules say?

According to ICC rules, a bowler's elbow should not bend more than 15 degrees while delivering the ball. This is assessed through biomechanical testing. The repeated occurrence of such incidents is a matter of concern for Pakistan cricket. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Usman Tariq and how the team recovers from this controversy.

PC: ABPNews