"Aren't many things worse.."- Usman Khawaja backs Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq over 'chucker' allegations ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Australian batter Usman Khawaja has come out strongly in support of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq after the bowler was once again subjected to 'chucking' allegations during the ongoing T20I series against Australia.

Khawan used an opinion from cricket journalist Paul Dennett to express his deep sympathy for Tariq because he believed that the criticism directed at Tariq was both unfair and harmful to him. "There aren't many things worse than being called a 'chucker' in cricket," Khawaja wrote on social media. "The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and has been cleared twice. We should maintain proper perspective while understanding the situation instead of making immediate judgments about it.

Green’s gesture sparks backlash as Pakistan defend Tariq’s cleared bowling action

The controversy began during the second T20I at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium where Pakistan achieved a 90-run victory over Australia to establish an unassailable 2-0 series lead. The public reacted negatively when Cameron Green of Australia copied Tariqs throwing motion after Tariq dismissed him during the run chase.

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Tariq played his third T20I match and achieved bowling statistics of 2 wickets which he took for 16 runs during 2.4 overs before he later dismissed Matthew Kuhnemann and Australia suffered a collapse that led to 108 runs. No evidence exists to show that Australian players or match officials filed a formal complaint about his throwing style.

The behavior of Green was disapproved by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha who stated that only umpires and match referees possess the right to evaluate bowling techniques. The unorthodox bowling style that Tariq uses results from his physical condition according to him because he has a naturally bent double-jointed elbow. He has passed two biomechanical assessments at Lahore's National Cricket Academy which confirmed his fitness to play during both tests and Pakistan Super League matches.

Tariq continues to be part of Pakistan's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 squad despite the ongoing situation because Pakistan has decided to boycott their match against India. Tariq needs to perform well at the World Cup to prove his abilities because senior players like Khawaja support him while people watch his progression.