Aakash Chopra, RCB star together attack Ravichandran Ashwin for supporting Usman Tariq

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has once again come under scrutiny for his bowling action during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The controversy intensified after Aakash Chopra and former RCB player Shreevats Goswami criticized Ravichandran Ashwin for supporting the spinner over his bowling action.

Tariq picked up three key wickets in Pakistan’s 32-run win over the USA in Colombo on Tuesday, February 10. However, his unusual “pause-and-deliver” action grabbed attention. Social media was flooded with claims accusing him of “chucking,” a term used when a bowler is believed to be throwing the ball.

"Why Are Restrictions Only on Bowlers?" Ravichandran Ashwin Defends Usman Tariq’s Action

Shreevats Goswami drew a comparison with football. He said that just as players are not allowed to pause during a penalty run-up in football, bowlers in cricket should also face restrictions if a pause in their action impacts fairness.

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Ravichandran Ashwin questioned whether cricket’s rules treat batters and bowlers equally. Ravichandran Ashwin pointed out that batters can attempt shots like the switch-hit or reverse sweep without informing the umpire, but bowlers are not allowed to change their bowling arm without prior notice.

“Agree football doesn’t allow it! While the batter can switch-hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, after committing to bat on one side, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler? In fact, the bowler isn’t allowed to change the arm with which he/she bowls without informing the umpire. They should first change that rule,” Ravichandran Ashwin posted.

Is It Possible to Increase Pace by 20-25 km/h? Aakash Chopra Questions Usman Tariq’s Action

Aakash Chopra responded to Ravichandran Ashwin’s remarks by saying that he has no issue with a bowler using a pause in the run-up. Chopra questioned whether a bowler can add around 20 km/h to certain deliveries without generating momentum from the run-up or bending the arm.

"I feel ‘pause’ is absolutely fine. But I do have a very specific bowling question—if there’s no momentum generated by the run-up, is it possible to increase your pace by 20-25kms on certain deliveries without bending the arm?" Chopra stated.

I feel ‘pause’ is absolutely fine. But I do have a very specific bowling question—if there’s no momentum generated by the run-up, is it possible to increase your pace by 20-25kms on certain deliveries without bending the arm? https://t.co/hfVIAhPSBu

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 11, 2026

Shreevats Goswami Fires Back at Ravichandran Ashwin Over Usman Tariq’s Action

Shreevats Goswami stated that the issue is not about batters versus bowlers but about the “pause” in the bowling action. Goswami added that if a one-second pause is accepted, then longer pauses, such as two or even ten seconds, could also be justified.

"Reverse sweep was first played in 1964 and it’s still debatable ? Ok. We are talking about the “ pause “ here. “ PAUSE “. A batter doesn’t take stance, look away, pause & then reset before the ball is delivered. He/she is absolutely ready for whatever the bowler has to offer," Goswami stated.

"Let’s not make this bowler vs batter. It’s the PAUSE. If 1 sec pause is ok, then 2 is too , then 10 is too. Cricket is a game of continuity. Pause breaks the rhythm of the game & if you look closely. He kind of “bends his arms “ when he bowls the faster one. Hopefully the ICC finds clarity before this becomes the next grey area."

Reverse sweep was first played in 1964 and it’s still debatable ? Ok.
We are talking about the “ pause “ here. “ PAUSE “. A batter doesn’t take stance, look away, pause & then reset before the ball is delivered. He/she is absolutely ready for whatever the bowler has to offer.… https://t.co/3uH8kGN8mc

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 11, 2026

Also read: Ben Stokes undergoes surgery, set to skip PSL as 7 more England stars boycott Pakistani league