Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 saw fresh controversy on Friday in a match between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz, when Daryl Mitchell retired twice during Usman Tariq’s bowling break.
The New Zealand batsman expressed concern over Tariq’s long break in action before his release. Mitchell walked away twice during the over, before the umpires intervened to allow play to continue.
The incident took place during the match between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi Pindiz. Facing Tariq in the ninth over, Mitchell played a paddle sweep off the first ball he faced.
However, he seemed uncomfortable with the pause in the pitcher’s action. He walked away twice, gesturing toward the pause mid-action. The umpires then intervened and spoke to the batsman before play resumed.
Tariq conceded three singles in the first three balls of the over. Before the fourth installment, Mitchell pulled out at the last moment due to the delay. The referee approached him after repeated requests and had a brief conversation before the game continued.Mitchell was later dismissed, caught and bowled by Saud Shakeel as Pindiz lost the match by 61 runs in Karachi.
Mitchell’s approach is linked to Ravichandran Ashwin’s advice. Tariq had been a topic of conversation during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, with Ashwin suggesting that the batsmen should retire, forcing the umpire to declare a dead ball. By doing so, Ashwin believes the batsman can shift the delay back to the bowler and umpire, and reduce any advantage gained by altering the timing.
Tariq has been under scrutiny for his career and actions. His running is followed by a pause before release, after which he kneels to complete the delivery.
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He has been reported twice for suspicious action and acquitted both times.