Pakistan’s Usman Tariq left his cricket ambitions in his country to start a sales job in Dubai, before a biopic on Indian great Mahendra Singh Dhoni changed his life.
The double-jointed spinner’s unusual bowling action has generated much chatter in his first T20 World Cup, and he now enters Sunday’s revived clash against India as one of Pakistan’s main weapons.
His inspiration was born in India and Tariq admits that if he hadn’t watched the 2016 Bollywood film “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story”, he might not be playing cricket today.
Based on the life of India’s World Cup-winning captain, the film told a story of courage, rejection and ultimate glory, and made Tariq believe that it was never too late to pursue his ambition.
Tariq, now 30, left Dubai and wandered around the world to mature as a mystery spinner.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha insisted that Tariq will be a special weapon when his team takes on arch-rivals India on February 15.
“Tariq is our X-factor and a key weapon,” Agha said before the tournament after Pakistan had used him sparingly to protect their unique action.
Since making his international debut just three months ago, Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20 internationals, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi.
They recorded a decisive 3-27 against the United States in Colombo in their World Cup debut this week.
Controversial action
The 28-year-old’s bizarre bowling action was reported as illegal twice in the last two years but was cleared by the International Cricket Council’s laboratory.
His action carries an element of mystery as he pauses exaggeratedly before launching the ball like a slingshot.
England’s Tom Banton questioned Tariq’s action in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) T20 League last year.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green imitated Tariq’s round-arm during the T20 series ahead of the World Cup in Lahore, raising fresh doubts.
But Indian player Ravichandaran Ashwin, a top spinner, and umpire Anil Chaudhary declared Tariq’s bowling action to be within the rules.
“I think it is totally legal,” Ashwin wrote in X, explaining several factors of the action.
Tariq is unfazed by skeptics.
“I have two elbow corners of my bowling arm, which is weird,” Tariq said. AFP.
“I’ve been acquitted twice, so I’m sure it’s legal.
“I have fought until now and am not worried about such unfounded questions.”
making a name
After Tariq left Dubai, a friend introduced him to Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who took him to a local trainer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, his hometown.
“Zaman brought me this young and determined boy,” said Wajahatullah Wasti, a former Pakistan player. AFP.
“I watched him play in amazement because he had a unique look and I advised him to play a little faster. Today he has made a name for himself.”
Tariq spoke about the Dhoni biopic that changed everything.
“I had left behind the idea of making a name for myself in cricket, but one day I saw this film and it convinced me that I too can do the same,” Tariq said. AFP.
Tariq progressed by leaps and bounds.
He finished with 20 wickets in the Caribbean Premier League last year, forcing his way into the Pakistan team.
“My coach informed me about my selection in the Pakistan team while I was busy with my wedding last year and at first I thought it was a joke,” Tariq said.
“But it was true, so I think my wife brought me luck.”
From a salesman in Dubai to Pakistan’s potential trump card against India, Tariq’s script is still in the process of being written.
