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Pakistan’s latest spin sensation, Usman Tariq, has become the talk of the town — not just for his unorthodox bowling action, but for an inspiring personal story that seems straight out of a movie. On the brink of his international debut, Tariq has revealed that his journey back to cricket was sparked by the Bollywood biopic MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.
From Dreams to Detours — The Early Struggles
Like many young cricketers in Pakistan, Usman Tariq grew up dreaming of donning the green shirt. However, despite years of effort, selection setbacks and mounting frustrations led him to abandon his cricketing ambitions altogether. With opportunities drying up and financial pressures mounting, Tariq made the difficult decision to leave Pakistan and move to Dubai in search of stability.
He took up a job as a salesman in a purchasing company, believing his cricketing chapter had come to an end. Yet, destiny had other plans.
The Turning Point — Inspiration from the Silver Screen
In an interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Tariq shared how watching the biopic of India’s World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni reignited his passion for the sport.
“I left the game after I did not get selected and started working as a salesman in a purchasing company in Dubai,” Tariq recalled. “One day, I watched MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, and it inspired me a lot. I left the job and went back to Pakistan to pursue cricket again.”
It was a bold decision — one that meant giving up a steady income for another uncertain shot at cricket. But for Tariq, the story of Dhoni’s resilience, humble beginnings, and rise against the odds struck a deep personal chord.
A Return Marked by Challenges
Upon returning to Pakistan, Tariq threw himself back into cricket with renewed determination. His talent with the ball quickly began to turn heads again in the domestic circuit. But the road to redemption wasn’t smooth.
In the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), while representing the Quetta Gladiators, Tariq’s bowling action came under scrutiny. His unusual, pause-filled run-up and delivery style raised questions from match officials, leading to him being reported for a suspect action.
The controversy saw his contract terminated, dealing a significant blow to his confidence. But rather than give up, Tariq faced the challenge head-on. He underwent biomechanical testing in Lahore, where experts cleared his action, allowing him to continue his career.
Breakthrough in the Caribbean and National Recognition
Tariq’s resilience began to pay off in 2025, when he enjoyed a remarkable run in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Representing his franchise with consistency and control, he picked up 20 wickets, finishing just behind veteran spinner Imran Tahir on the wicket-takers list.
His success caught the eye of Pakistan’s selectors, who rewarded him with his first-ever call-up to the Pakistan T20I squad for the ongoing series against South Africa.
While Tariq did not feature in the opening match — which Pakistan lost by 55 runs — he remains a strong contender for a debut in the upcoming matches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The Mystery Behind His Bowling Action
Cricket fans and analysts have been intrigued by Tariq’s distinctive action — a run-up that includes a pause before he releases the ball. Some have even compared it to Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis or West Indies’ Sunil Narine for its unpredictability.
Explaining the secret behind it, Tariq revealed that his delivery style is shaped by his natural physical structure.
“I am born with a unique right elbow which has two corners instead of one. That’s just how my arm is,” he said.
This rare anatomical feature not only contributes to his distinctive bowling style but also adds a deceptive element that makes it difficult for batsmen to read his deliveries.
Eyes on the Green Cap
At 27 years old, Usman Tariq’s story is one of perseverance, belief, and cinematic inspiration. Having faced rejection, scrutiny, and hardship, he now stands on the verge of achieving what once seemed impossible — representing Pakistan at the international level.
“I just want to play for Pakistan and perform,” he said. “It took a long time to reach here, but every setback has made me stronger.”
For Tariq, this is not just about personal glory but a message to dreamers everywhere — that no journey is too long, and no dream too distant, if one is willing to start over.
Whether he gets his long-awaited debut in the next T20I against South Africa on October 31 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Usman Tariq’s story has already inspired countless others who have ever doubted their own comeback.
