MS Dhoni helping Pakistan players, 1 openly confesses

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has been in the headlines with an unexpected revelation about his cricketing comeback. The spinner, who is on the cusp of a potential international debut, shared that the Bollywood biopic MS Dhoni: The Untold Story motivated him to abandon a career in Dubai to pursue cricket.

Tariq gave up cricket after repeated setbacks and took a salesman’s job in Dubai. After watching the story of MS Dhoni, he left the job and restarted his journey in the sport. After five years, the spinner is close to earning an international cap for Pakistan during the ongoing series against South Africa on home soil.

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story Inspired Me a Lot - Usman Tariq

In an interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Usman Tariq said that his return to cricket began with a moment of cinematic inspiration. Tariq said that watching MS Dhoni’s biopic motivated him to leave his stable job, return home, and give cricket one final try.

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“I left the game after I did not get selected and started working as a salesman in a purchasing company in Dubai," Tariq told Telecomasia. “One day, I watched MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, and it inspired me a lot. I left the job and went back to Pakistan to pursue cricket again."

Usman Tariq’s Unusual Action Drew Scrutiny in PSL 2024

Usman Tariq earned his first call-up to Pakistan’s T20I squad for the South Africa series. He received the call-up following his impressive 2025 Caribbean Premier League campaign, where he picked up 20 wickets, just behind Imran Tahir.

Tariq’s unusual action came under scrutiny in the 2024 Pakistan Super League, leading to the cancellation of his Quetta Gladiators contract when he was reported for a suspect action. He underwent biomechanical testing in Lahore before being cleared by experts.

The 27-year-old was included in the T20I squad; however, he did not feature in the opening match of the series, which Pakistan lost by 55 runs. He could make his debut for the Pakistan national cricket team in the ongoing home series.

I Just Want to Play for Pakistan and Perform - Usman Tariq

Usman Tariq pauses mid-run before releasing the ball with his unorthodox bowling action. Tariq stated that the style comes from his “unique right elbow.”

"I am born with a unique right elbow which has two corners instead of one. That's just how my arm is," Tariq continued.

After enduring multiple challenges throughout his career, Tariq said he remains determined to represent Pakistan at the highest level. He added that each setback has only made him stronger.

“I just want to play for Pakistan and perform. It took a long time to reach here, but every setback has made me stronger," he added.

It remains uncertain whether Tariq will earn his first international cap in the next T20I match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, October 31.

Also read: Alyssa Healy announces leaving Cricket after India drubbing in World Cup semi-final