Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on a fresh Pakistan Super League 2026 flashpoint after Quetta Gladiators beat Rawalpindiz by 61 runs in Karachi on Friday. The dispute centred on New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell and Quetta mystery spinner Usman Tariq, with Rawalpindiz claiming there was an issue around Tariq’s trademark pause before deliveries.
At a glance
- Match: Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindiz (PSL 2026)
- Result: Quetta won by 61 runs
- Key controversy: Tariq’s pause vs Mitchell’s objections during the chase
- Mitchell dismissal: 30 off 32 balls, out to Saud Shakeel
- Rawalpindiz chase: 121 all out in 17.3 overs (target 183)
- Tariq’s impact: two wickets in four overs
- Quetta platform: Rilee Rossouw’s 53 helped reach 182/6 in 20 overs
- Other bowling note: Ben Sears took three wickets for Rawalpindiz
The protest unfolded when Tariq approached the crease and Mitchell stepped away multiple times during the middle overs of Rawalpindiz’s run chase. Mitchell was visibly frustrated, walked out from his stumps, and told the umpire that he was not prepared to face the next ball, repeating the gesture more than once in the over.
As the incident played out, Ramiz Raja, who was on commentary, questioned whether Mitchell could withdraw from the action. He also suggested the on-field officials would handle it, adding that Mitchell needed to be “a bit better” in how he responded to the situation.
Weighing in publicly, Ashwin posted on X that the resolution rests with the umpires and match referees. He argued that if the pause used before Tariq’s delivery is not timed consistently, then the batter is within his rights to move away, and he urged captains and opposing batters to raise such concerns with officials before play begins. Ashwin also wrote: “Well done Mitchell,” and followed up in a later reply to a fan that both Mitchell and Tariq were right in their own ways, stressing that pause timing should be assessed ball to ball to see if there is any delay.
Mitchell’s afternoon ended soon after the exchanges. He was dismissed for 30 runs off 32 balls, with Saud Shakeel taking the wicket. Rawalpindiz, chasing 183, collapsed to 121 all out in 17.3 overs, handing Quetta a comfortable win.
Quetta had set up the total after an early consolidation. Rilee Rossouw’s 53 powered Quetta to 182/6 in their 20 overs, giving the defending side a platform. In return, Rawalpindiz got three wickets from Ben Sears, but Tariq still managed to make his mark with two scalps in four overs.
Tariq explains the Mitchell exchange
During a PSL segment, Tariq addressed the moment he had with Mitchell at the crease. He said that when Mitchell stepped back, he asked what the issue was, and Mitchell responded that Tariq was taking a pause. Tariq then claimed he replied that he could take a pause again, even a third or fourth time, before the situation was clarified to Mitchell that the spinner’s action fell within the laws of the game.
Tariq also revisited earlier scrutiny over his bowling action. He said there are two corners on his elbow, which makes it difficult to straighten fully, and he acknowledged that such factors have led to criticism. He added that, as a matter of process, spinners accused of throwing are typically sent for lab tests, may modify their action, and work on the degree of flexion that is considered legal—something he said can confuse viewers.
According to Tariq, he has already faced two official tests in Pakistan and his action was cleared. He insisted he did not need to change anything, and expressed confidence because he believes he is not throwing.
