'Keep it up': Usman Tariq responds after Ashwin backs PSL batter walking away vs Pakistan spinner

Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq has responded after Ravichandran Ashwin backed Daryl Mitchell's tactic against his bowling action during a PSL 2026 match, as the debate over the Pakistan spinner's run-up and action continued.

Tariq, whose action features a stop-and-pause, side-arm release, has drawn attention in recent times. The discussion around his action grew during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where opinions were divided on its legality and impact.

Before India’s match against Pakistan in that tournament, Ashwin had suggested that batters could step away from their stance when Tariq pauses in his run-up, using the laws of the game. While that approach was not used in that game, Daryl Mitchell employed it during a Pakistan Super League 2026 match between Quetta Gladiators and Pinidz in Karachi on Friday.

Mitchell’s move led to discussion, and Ashwin supported it.

“Now it’s up to the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery. If the pause isn’t consistent, then the batter has every right to move away. The captains and opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done, Mitchell," wrote Ashwin on X.

Tariq later responded on social media, referring to the laws related to unfair play.

“Unsporting Conduct (Foul Play): If the batter does this continuously to deliberately distract the bowler or waste time, it can be deemed unfair play. The umpire has the discretion to warn the batter, and if it continues, issue a penalty (usually 5 penalty runs to the fielding side)."

“Happy to hear 5 penalty runs. Keep it up," he added as a commentary.

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It is worth noting that in his career, Ashwin had also tried a pause in his bowling action at times.