usman tariq pakistan cricketer

Usman Tariq – Biography

Full Name: Usman Tariq
Date of Birth: 7 June 1995
Place of Birth: Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off break (spinner)
Height: ~193 cm

Early Life & Background

Usman Tariq was born on 7 June 1995 in Nowshera, located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. For a time, he stepped away from professional cricket and worked in Dubai as a salesman. His life took a pivotal turn when he watched the biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, which deeply inspired him. He decided to quit his job and return to Pakistan to resume his cricketing ambitions.

Domestic & Franchise Career

Tariq made his domestic breakthrough when he debuted for Eshaal Associates in List A cricket in October 2024, where he claimed key wickets.

In first-class cricket, he made a strong impression: during a debut match for Eshaal Associates, he bowled three maiden overs and picked up a five-wicket haul (5/62) in the second innings.

In December 2023, his talent was recognized at a higher level when he was signed by the Quetta Gladiators for the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In 2025, he stepped onto the international franchise stage, joining the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He impressed significantly, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps in the tournament.

International Career

Usman Tariq made his T20I debut for Pakistan on 1 November 2025, in a match against South Africa held in Lahore.

On 23 November 2025, in only his second T20I appearance, he achieved a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in a tri-series match at Rawalpindi — becoming just the fourth Pakistani male cricketer to do so in T20Is.

That performance (4 wickets for 18 runs) earned him Player of the Match honors.

Bowling Style & Action

Tariq is known for his mystery spin: he has an unorthodox bowling action where he pauses noticeably in his run-up before delivery, which makes his bowling very deceptive.

His action has raised some controversy: he has been reported for a suspect action during PSL seasons.

However, he has defended his style, explaining that he was born with an unusual anatomical structure — “a unique right elbow with two corners” — and that his action has been biomechanically tested and cleared by the PCB’s lab.

Personal Qualities & Recognition

Tariq’s story is often described as a “Bollywood-style comeback”: after leaving cricket and working abroad, he returned with renewed passion, driven by the inspiration from Dhoni’s biopic.

He is admired for his resilience, work ethic, and the ability to reinvent his career against the odds.

Despite skepticism over his bowling action, he has continued to perform strongly in domestic and franchise leagues and has now broken into the international scene.

Significance & Future Outlook

Usman Tariq represents a compelling new talent in Pakistan’s cricket landscape: a spinner with a unique action, a dramatic personal journey, and the ability to impact big games. With early international success (including a hat-trick), he could be an important part of Pakistan’s T20 plans going forward. His rise will likely be followed closely by fans and selectors alike.