Colombo: Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq says a Bollywood biopic on India great Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped revive his cricket ambitions, setting him on a path from a salesman’s job in Dubai to becoming one of Pakistan’s key players at the T20 World Cup.
The 30-year-old mystery spinner, whose unorthodox bowling action has drawn global attention, is set to play a central role in Sunday’s high-stakes clash against India. Usman said watching the 2016 film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, based on the life of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, convinced him it was not too late to pursue his dream.
“I had left behind thinking of making a name in cricket, but one day I watched this film, and it convinced me that I can also do the same,” Usman told AFP.
Rapid rise to international stage
After leaving Dubai, Usman returned to Pakistan to focus on his bowling. A friend introduced him to Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who connected him with former Pakistan player Wajahatullah Wasti for guidance.
Since making his international debut three months ago, Usman has taken 11 wickets in four T20 internationals, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. He also claimed 3-27 against the United States on his World Cup debut in Colombo.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha described him as the team’s “X-factor” ahead of the tournament.
Scrutiny over bowling action
Usman’s distinctive, sling-shot style — marked by an exaggerated pause before release — has sparked debate. His action was reported twice in the past two years but later cleared by the International Cricket Council’s testing laboratory.
England batter Tom Banton questioned the action during the UAE T20 League last year, while Australia all-rounder Cameron Green mimicked it during a pre-World Cup series in Lahore.
However, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin publicly stated that Usman’s action appeared legal, explaining the mechanics behind it. Umpire Anil Chaudhary also declared the action within the rules.
Usman, who says he has a rare double-jointed elbow structure, remains confident. “I have been cleared twice, so I am confident that it’s legal,” he said.
A journey still unfolding
Usman’s breakthrough followed a strong Caribbean Premier League season last year, where he took 20 wickets. He said he learned about his Pakistan selection during his wedding preparations and initially believed it was a prank.
From leaving cricket behind to becoming a potential match-winner on the world stage, Usman’s journey reflects an unconventional rise shaped by persistence and renewed belief.
With Pakistan and India level on points in the group stage, his performance in Colombo could prove decisive in one of cricket’s most watched contests.
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