The Chucking Tag: Fair Criticism or Social Media Trial?

ICC’s 15-Degree Rule and the Truth Behind Illegal Actions

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The Chucking Tag: Fair Criticism or Social Media Trial? Usman Tariq is a cricketer in Pakistan’s team and has been under media scrutiny for his unusual pause-and-sling bowling action. Termed as ‘Chucking’ he was reported twice during the Pakistan Super League matches, he underwent testing and was cleared.

The Chucking

What is “Chucking” in Cricket?

“Chucking” is a term used in cricket to describe an illegal bowling action in which a bowler straightens (extends) their elbow during delivery, effectively throwing the ball instead of bowling it.

The run-up of Tariq is bizarrely short. He staggers in, almost diagonally, veering past the cutting line before pausing for what seems to be eternity. Then comes the sling and the release, almost shielding the umpire’s view. The label Chucker was thrown around freely by keyboard warriors, a few experts and even cricketers like Cameron Green scrutinized his ball release.

Social media erupted with criticism when Tariq picked up three wickets in Pakistan’s 32-run win. Pushing them to brink of the T20 World Cup’s second round. Screenshots of the bowler were dissected, angles marked, clips were paused to check n recheck only to confirm accusation of Tariq exceeding the 15-degree limit.

What Happens When a Bowler Is Reported?

When a player like Usman Tariq is reported:

Match officials flag the action during a game.
The player undergoes biomechanical testing at an ICC-accredited lab.
High-speed cameras measure elbow extension precisely.
If within 15 degrees → the bowler is cleared.
If beyond → they must remodel their action before returning.

Medically Tariq has a hyper mobile elbow, sometimes referred as being double-jointed, a congenital condition. Muttiah Muaralitharan suffered the same and also went through similar scrutiny.

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🚨 SHOCKER! Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq accused of an ILLEGAL bowling action (chucking).

Cameron Green questioned the action after his dismissal in the 2nd T20I vs Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/lck6YV2FZ0

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 1, 2026

Indian Bowler Jasprit Bumrah ‘s hyper extended elbow was also judged in suspicion ladder few years back. Only after advanced broadcast analysis confirmed it being in the legal limits were the speculations silenced. and that only added to the bowlers advantage.

Tariq originally a spinner began bowling as a pacer but switched to off-spin after an injury during a tennis-ball game. Which hence proved fruit full his game as more wickets followed. Only to be encouraged by the team coach to pursue spin seriously.

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🚨 FAKE BOWLING ALERT 🚨

Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq seemed bowling with illegal action or say chucking. pic.twitter.com/xF0U5G8ZZR

— MutadaaI Vohna 🧢 (@RGSMania) February 10, 2026

Bowler now has a format built on speed and aggression both. The pause before release disrupt’s a batter rhytm, often forcing errors from the batter’s side followed by wicket being taken. After his international debut three months back, He has taken 11 wickets in four matches at an economy rate just under six.

“An illegal bowling action is where a player is throwing rather than bowling the ball. This is defined as the elbow extending by more than 15 degrees between the arm reaching horizontal and the ball being released”- ICC regulation.

‘I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arm. My bent arm is a biological issue.” Usman Tariq clarifies in an interview with MYK sports.

The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup is currently in its group stage, taking place from 7 February to 8 March 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

SOURCE :

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https://www.icc-cricket.com/

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