Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Daryl Mitchell after the New Zealand batter complained about an odd delivery pause used by Usman Tariq during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 match in Karachi. The episode has reignited debate about how much leeway batters should be given when a bowler’s rhythm is repeatedly disrupted.
Key takeaways
- Daryl Mitchell raised concerns about Usman Tariq’s stop-start delivery pause during a PSL 2026 game in Karachi.
- The moment came in the ninth over at the National Stadium, where Mitchell repeatedly stepped away mid-action.
- On-field officials consulted Mitchell before play resumed after the repeated interruptions.
- Mitchell was eventually dismissed, caught and bowled by Saud Shakeel.
- Ravichandran Ashwin said batters are entitled to move away if timing is being affected, and urged captains to raise such issues before matches.
Mitchell unsettled by Tariq’s pause in the ninth over
The incident unfolded in the contest between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi. When Tariq began bowling, Mitchell appeared visibly uneasy, pulling away twice while facing the unusual pause in the delivery. In the ninth over at the National Stadium, Mitchell initially went through with a paddle sweep, but the delayed release seemed to unsettle him almost immediately.
As the over continued, Mitchell stepped away from the crease twice during the bowler’s process, drawing attention to the timing gap in Tariq’s action. The repeated interruptions led the on-field umpires to step in, with a short discussion involving the batter before allowing play to carry on.
Mitchell’s stay did not last much longer. He was dismissed after being caught and bowled by Saud Shakeel, and the result proved costly for Rawalpindi, who ultimately lost by 61 runs.
Ashwin backs batters to protect their timing
Reacting to the situation, Ashwin stressed that batters should be allowed to adjust if a bowler’s rhythm disrupts their timing. He highlighted that the responsibility for managing the pause and ensuring consistency lies with the match officials, while batters can react if the delivery cadence is not predictable.
Ashwin wrote: “Batters Have Every Right.” He added that it is for umpires and match referees to regulate the pause in the delivery, and if the pause is not consistent, then the batter is justified in moving away. He also argued that captains and opposing batters should raise the matter with the officials before a game begins, concluding with praise for Mitchell’s response.
Notably, Ashwin has previously suggested a similar tactic: encouraging batters to step away in a way that forces officials to call a dead ball, thereby reducing any advantage a bowler might gain from irregular rhythms. That earlier view aligns with the approach Mitchell took during the PSL 2026 clash.
Tariq’s action scrutiny and past reports
Usman Tariq’s delivery pause has been a subject of scrutiny for some time, largely because of the distinct delay before release, followed by a low follow-through. While he has been reported twice in the past for a suspect action, he was cleared on both occasions.
