Former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez believes the intense discussion surrounding Usman Tariq has already handed Salman Ali Agha’s outfit a mental edge ahead of their T20 World Cup match against India on February 15. Since stepping into international cricket, Tariq’s unconventional action and unpredictable variations have sparked widespread debate, particularly in the build-up to the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter. Hafeez suggested that the constant spotlight on the young bowler may have subtly shifted pressure across camps.
Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav answered queries about the mystery spinner during the media briefings. Supporters and analysts have shared their views on the potential impact he could make. Despite featuring in only four T20Is, Tariq has already snapped up 11 scalps at a staggering average of 7.9. Hafeez suggested India appear unsettled.
“If you look at it purely from a cricketing perspective, the attention surrounding Usman Tariq has already worked in our favour mentally. The conversation isn’t about Babar Azam or anyone else at the moment. He’s barely featured for Pakistan, but the concern he’s raised in the Indian setup is evident. They’ve even structured parts of their practice sessions with him in mind,” hafeez said.
“When have you witnessed this level of focus on a single cricketer? The build-up, the coverage, the global attention, it’s not just about the outcome anymore. Everyone seems fixated on what Usman Tariq might bring to the table,” he added.
Hafeez backed Tariq’s mindset, stating that the spinner possesses the confidence and composure to decide games in Pakistan’s favour. He recommended that Salman Ali Agha treat him as a frontline wicket-taking option rather than a containing bowler. In Hafeez’s view, the 28-year-old’s biggest strength lies in applying pressure through attacking spells.
“I’m keen to see the approach Salman Agha adopts as captain and the manner in which he deploys Usman Tariq. If he turns to him merely as a containing option, Pakistan will not gain much. Tariq needs to be used with attacking intent. Even introducing him as early as the sixth over could make a difference because that phase is often crucial for a bowling unit and is usually handled by your most influential bowler,” he mentioned.
“I’m interested to see the strategy they design around Usman Tariq, because if he’s deployed as a genuine wicket-taking option, he can have a major say in the game,” he concluded.
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