Aaqib Javed Compares Jasprit Bumrah to Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, Citing Unique Bowling Action

Pakistan cricket team’s chief selector, Aaqib Javed, sparked debate on Saturday, March 14, 2026, by comparing Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to Pakistan’s emerging spinner, Usman Tariq. Javed highlighted Bumrah’s unusual bowling action as a key factor in his success, suggesting it disrupts the rhythm of opposing batters.

Bumrah’s Dominance in the 2026 T20 World Cup

Bumrah played a crucial role in India’s title-winning campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets alongside Varun Chakravarthy. His standout performance came in the final against New Zealand, where he claimed 4/15, helping India secure a 96-run victory and defend their title. He was awarded Player of the Match for his performance. Times of India

The Comparison to Usman Tariq

Despite Bumrah’s established success, Javed drew a parallel to Usman Tariq, a relatively new face in Pakistani cricket. “You look at this entire T20 World Cup — there is only one bowler, Bumrah, who is as well now going for runs. Because he doesn’t have a normal action and has a different bowling action, he doesn’t allow batters to gain rhythm or get into a flow. I would say he is fast bowling’s Usman Tariq,” Javed stated during a press conference. Indian Express

Statistical Contrast

The comparison has drawn criticism due to the significant difference in experience and performance between the two bowlers. Bumrah has appeared in 95 T20 Internationals, taking 121 wickets, while Tariq has featured in only nine matches, claiming 18 scalps. Indian Express

Pakistan’s World Cup Performance

Pakistan experienced a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, failing to reach the semifinals despite playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. They achieved wins against Netherlands and USA, but suffered defeats against India and Namibia. Indian Express

Social Media Reaction

Javed’s remarks quickly gained traction on social media, with many cricket fans expressing skepticism and mocking the comparison between the established Indian star and the emerging Pakistani talent. MSN