PSL Controversy: Daryl Mitchell Objects to Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action, Sparks Debate
LAHORE: A fresh controversy has emerged in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after New Zealand star Daryl Mitchell objected to the bowling action of Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq during a match.
The incident occurred while Mitchell was batting, when Tariq approached the crease with his distinctive bowling style, which involves a brief pause before delivering the ball. Uncomfortable with the approach, Mitchell stepped away from the stumps and refused to face the delivery, signaling to the umpire that he was not ready.
The situation repeated twice, briefly halting the game. Former cricketer Ramiz Raja, who was on commentary duty, criticized the batter’s reaction, while the umpire intervened and convinced Mitchell to resume play.
Daryl Mitchell refuses to face Usman Tariq 😂 #QTGVRWP pic.twitter.com/2CO6z4NvR9
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) April 10, 2026
Mitchell, however, failed to make a significant impact in the match and was later dismissed, with his team eventually suffering a 61-run defeat.
Usman Tariq’s bowling action has been under scrutiny for some time, with experts suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should review it closely.
Previously, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had also weighed in on similar situations, advising that if a batter is disturbed by a bowler pausing mid-action, they can step away from the crease, prompting the umpire to declare a dead ball—thereby neutralizing any advantage for the bowler.
