On his PSL debut, for Quetta Gladiators against Multan Sultans, Usman Tariq finished with 0-27 from four overs in a total of 180-4. In his second match, against Karachi Kings. Tariq trapped Tim Seifert and James Vince leg-before to finish with 4-0-16-2 as Karachi made 165-8.

In the return match, Karachi bowled out Quetta for 118, but with 3.3-0-23-0, Tariq kept them at bay until the 16th over. His economy rate of 5.73 is the best in PSL 2024 among bowlers to have bowled five overs.

Yet, more than his parsimonious bowling, it was Tariq’s bowling action that drew attention. He runs at a very slow pace, then almost stops for an instant before hurling the ball like a baseball pitcher.

Check out this action and run-up!

Usman Tariq with his first PSL wicket in just his third game of professional cricket. #PSL2024pic.twitter.com/I6ynrVntpc

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 29, 2024

The umpires subsequently reported Tariq for a suspect action. “Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported for a suspect bowling action during the HBL PSL 9 fixture between Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings on 6 March at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi,” ran the press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth were the on-field umpires for the match in question, while Roshan Mahanama was the match referee.

The release added: “The Quetta Gladiators team management has requested the PCB to allow Usman to undergo the bowling action test which will take place at a PCB-approved facility in due course.”

Before the PSL, Tariq had played only one professional match – a Twenty20 game for Peshawar Region against Karachi Region Blues. He returned 4-0-22-0.

With nine points from seven matches, Quetta are currently second on the points table, behind Multan (12 points from eight matches). Third-placed Peshawar Zalmi also have nine points, but they have played a match more, and Quetta also hold a net run rate advantage (-0.094 to -0.384).