PSL 2024: Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq Reported for Suspicious Bowling Action

Usman Tariq, the mystery spinner for the Quetta Gladiators, is being under watch in the current Pakistan Super League. The umpire pointed out his unusual bowling motion during Wednesday's match against Karachi Kings, pointing out that he nearly came to a complete stop before hitting off-spinners with a flinging, side-arm motion. The report, however, does not immediately bar him from bowling. Rather, Tariq has been permitted to keep playing until a PCB-approved facility can be used for a bowling action test.

Tariq needs to watch out for his actions -

Tariq would face a suspension from PCB if he does the same in the PSL again. Sunil Narine experienced similar circumstances in the Indian Premier League; the former West Indies international was temporarily suspended before adjusting his behavior. Gladiators have Abrar Ahmed as a substitute in case Tariq is ruled out. It's encouraging that the 25-year-old has taken 11 wickets in his first six games. But Tariq is crucial for the team and he has proved to be economical.

There is currently no official word on when the bowling action test will take place. Pakistan does have an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore, but it's unclear if Tariq will have time to get there before the tournament ends because the remaining PSL games are to be concluded in Karachi and Rawalpindi.

Quetta Gladiators have almost paved their way for the playoffs-

In the meantime, the Gladiators are nearly certain of earning a position in the playoffs after their current season has been going smoothly. They have nine points from seven games, and the Rilee Rossouw---led team can win it all if they defeat Peshawar Zalmi in their next game. Their openers, Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel, have performed admirably thus far, but there is still cause for concern as the middle-order hitters have not proven reliable.