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Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq shared a cryptic message on Instagram after being left out of the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. The spinner posted a quote about controlling his ego and staying silent following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) squad announcement.
Pakistan have made several changes to their white-ball setup after a series of underwhelming campaigns. Sahibzada Farhan has taken over as T20I captain, while Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, and several other players have been omitted from the squads for the upcoming home assignments.
Usman Tariq Shares Cryptic Instagram Story
Usman Tariq posted a text-based Instagram story shortly after his omission from Pakistan’s T20I squad. The message focused on the difficulty of staying silent when ego pushes someone to speak.
“The hardest part of wisdom is learning to STAY SILENT, When EGO wants to SPEAK,” Usman Tariq wrote.
Usman Tariq's Instagram Story. - Dropped from Pakistan's T20I squad. https://t.co/RBQzBZavIV
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 6, 2026
Sahibzada Farhan recently led Pakistan at the Asian Games. He will lead the side during the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The matches will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11, and 13.
Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has replaced Tariq in the squad. Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have returned to the white-ball setup, while Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman are among the other notable omissions.
Usman Tariq's T20I Record and Recent Form
Usman Tariq has made a strong impact since making his international debut against South Africa in Lahore in November 2025. He took 2/26 on debut, including the important wicket of Dewald Brevis.
Later that month, he produced a match-winning 4/18 against Zimbabwe and claimed an international hat-trick. His unusual pause-and-sling mystery-spin action quickly made him an effective wicket-taking option for Pakistan.
Usman Tariq has taken 18 wickets in eight T20Is at an average of 11.17. He has maintained an economy rate of 6.66 and a strike rate of 10.06, with his best figures of 4/16 coming against Namibia in February 2026.
His recent returns, however, have been mixed. He took 3/27 against the USA on February 10 and 1/24 against India at the T20 World Cup five days later. He then claimed 4/16 against Namibia before taking 2/31 against England on February 24.
His final appearance came against Sri Lanka on February 28, when he finished with 0/43 from four overs. He took six wickets in two matches in 2025 at an average of 7.33, while he claimed 12 wickets in seven matches in 2026 at an average of 13.08.
Pakistan's White-Ball Schedule and Support Staff
Pakistan will begin their home white-ball schedule with the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The team will then feature in a seven-match ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka.
Rawalpindi will host the first three matches of the ODI tri-series, while the remaining league games and the final will take place in Lahore. The PCB is yet to confirm the exact dates and venues for the matches beyond the Rawalpindi leg.
Mike Hesson will continue as Pakistan’s head coach, while Shaun Tait has been appointed bowling coach. Michael Smith will work as batting coach and Mansoor Amjad will oversee the fielding department.
Naveed Akram Cheema will remain team manager, with Muhammad Tahir as physiotherapist and Grant Luden as strength and conditioning coach. Nabeel Edger Pace will serve as analyst for the Sri Lanka T20Is, while Usman Hashmi will take up the role for the ODI tri-series.
