The Pakistan Super League is once again at the centre of an on-field debate, this time during Quetta Gladiators’ commanding 61-run victory over Rawalpindiz in Karachi. Much of the post-game conversation revolved around a tense exchange involving Daryl Mitchell and Quetta’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq. The controversy took place during the middle overs of Rawalpindiz’s run chase.
As Usman Tariq approached the crease, his bowling action, which includes a noticeable pause before delivery, became the point of frustration for Mitchell. The New Zealand batter appeared visibly unsettled, repeatedly moving away from the stumps and signalling to the umpire that he was not ready to face the ball. Mitchell’s reaction escalated as he pulled out more than once in the same over, clearly irritated by the timing and rhythm of Tariq’s delivery stride.
Giving his opinion, former Indian cricketer R Ashwin, backed Daryl Mitchell while highlighting the importance of clarity in bowling actions and the need for umpires to ensure consistency.
“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," Ashwin wrote on X.
Talking about the match, Quetta Gladiators remained dominant with a 61-run win over Rawalpindiz. Asked to bat, Gladiator's Rossouw led the innings with 53 while Saud Shakeel scored 42 in an 87-run partnership. Hasan Nawaz slammed 39 to power the side to 182/6 in 20 overs. Defending the total, Gladiators bowled Rawalpindiz out for 121 in 17.3 overs.