Cameron Green’s Viral Outburst: Is Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action Under Legitimate Scrutiny?

Watch: Pak bowler under fire! Green’s angry reaction to Tariq goes viral

Introduction: A Match Won, But a Controversy Ignited

Pakistan didn’t just beat Australia in the second T20I in Lahore—they dismantled them. With a commanding total of 198/5 powered by Salman Agha’s 76 and Usman Khan’s explosive 53, the hosts then bowled the Aussies out for a paltry 108. The result? An unassailable 2-0 series lead and a statement of intent.

But amid the celebrations, a split-second moment threatened to overshadow the victory. As Australian all-rounder Cameron Green trudged off after being clean bowled by debutant Usman Tariq, he turned to the umpire and visibly questioned the bowler’s action—mouthing what many interpreted as “that’s a chuck.” The footage exploded online, reigniting one of cricket’s most sensitive debates: Usman Tariq bowling action.

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The Viral Moment: What Happened on the Field?

In the 14th over of Australia’s chase, Green—batting on 12—was bowled by a quicker delivery from Tariq that skidded through. As he walked back, he gestured toward the umpire, clearly frustrated. Broadcast microphones didn’t catch his words, but lip-readers and fans were quick to interpret: “That’s not a legal action.”

The clip spread like wildfire across social media, with hashtags like #TariqAction and #GreenOutburst trending globally. While some praised Green for “standing up for the game’s integrity,” others accused him of poor sportsmanship in a match already lost.

Usman Tariq, a 26-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Karachi, made his international debut in this match. Known for his slingy, round-arm action—a style often seen in subcontinental pacers—his delivery has drawn comparisons to Shoaib Akhtar and Lasith Malinga.

Critically, **Tariq’s action has been tested and cleared by the PCB’s biomechanics lab** in Lahore, which is accredited by the ICC [[1]]. All new Pakistani bowlers undergo mandatory testing before national selection, and Tariq passed with flying colors. His elbow extension was reportedly measured at 13.2 degrees—well below the ICC’s 15-degree threshold [[2]].

So while his action may *look* unusual to the untrained eye, it is, by all official standards, **100% legal**.

Cameron Green’s History with Bowling Actions

This isn’t the first time Green has voiced concerns about suspect actions. In 2023, during a Sheffield Shield match, he questioned the action of a young Victorian bowler, leading to an independent review (which ultimately cleared the player). Green has also spoken publicly about the importance of “clean actions” in preserving the spirit of the game.

While his intentions may be principled, critics argue that **publicly accusing a debutant on live TV—without evidence—is reckless**. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting noted, “If you have concerns, go through the proper channels. Don’t turn a loss into a circus.”

ICC Rules on Bowling Actions: What Does the Law Say?

According to the ICC’s Regulations on Bowlers with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions [[3]]:

  • A bowler’s elbow extension must not exceed **15 degrees** during delivery.
  • Allegations must be reported by match officials—not players—to trigger a formal review.
  • Players are **not permitted** to publicly accuse opponents of chucking; doing so can result in code-of-conduct charges.

Crucially, **no on-field umpire raised any concern** about Tariq’s action during the match. That silence speaks volumes. Without an official report, Green’s outburst remains a personal opinion—not a factual claim.

Fan and Expert Reactions: Split Opinions

The cricket world is divided:

  • Supporters of Green say elite players have a duty to protect the game’s integrity, even if it’s unpopular.
  • Critics call it unsportsmanlike, especially against a nervous debutant on home soil.
  • Neutral analysts point out that slingy actions are common and legal—Malinga took 107 T20I wickets with a similar style.

Notably, Australian coach Andrew McDonald declined to comment post-match, saying only, “We respect the officials’ decisions.” A telling silence.

Conclusion: Passion or Problem?

At its core, the controversy around Usman Tariq bowling action isn’t really about biomechanics—it’s about perception, pressure, and how players handle defeat. Tariq bowled legally, performed brilliantly, and deserved his moment in the sun. Green, frustrated and outplayed, let emotion override protocol.

Moving forward, the ICC may need to remind players that while vigilance is good, public accusations without evidence harm the sport more than they help it. For now, Pakistan celebrates a historic win—and a new star is born. To understand more about how bowling actions are tested, see our explainer on [INTERNAL_LINK:how-icc-tests-bowling-actions].

Sources

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