Pakistan’s head selector, Aaqib Javed, made a surprising comparison while talking about modern bowling styles, comparing India’s pace star Jasprit Bumrah with Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq.
Aaqib has insisted that Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling style is just as unusual as Usman Tariq’s, and that is what makes both bowlers difficult to face for batters. Now, this remark raised many eyebrows.
Aaqib Javed makes a shocking Jasprit Bumrah–Usman Tariq comparison
Bumrah has always been known for his unique fast-bowling action. Unlike most pacers, he runs in with a short and quick approach before delivering the ball at high speed. His arm position and late release point make it extremely hard for batters to judge the ball early.
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Another key feature of Bumrah’s bowling is the natural hyperextension in his elbow, which sometimes makes his arm appear bent during the delivery. However, his action has been tested many times in international cricket and has always been declared legal.
On the other hand, Usman Tariq has his own unusual bowling method. The off-spinner is famous for pausing briefly before delivering the ball. This small pause often breaks the rhythm of the batter and makes it difficult to predict the type of delivery coming next.
Tariq’s action raised many eyebrows. He was reported twice during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a suspected bowling action. However, biomechanical tests later cleared him on both occasions.
Jasprit Bumrah is the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers: Aaqib Javed
While the two bowlers operate at completely different speeds and styles, both have gained attention because of their unconventional techniques.
Their unusual actions have often left batters confused and cricket experts fascinated. Now, Javed’s fresh remark stunned the cricket fraternity.
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Aaqib Javed said at the press conference: “Jasprit Bumrah is the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers. He bowls in a unique style. But now even he has started getting hit. In the World Cup, apart from Bumrah, there hasn’t been any bowler who has really left an impact.”
Jasprit Bumrah is the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers. He bowls in a unique style. But now even he has started getting hit. In the World Cup apart from Bumrah there hasn’t been any bowler who has really left an impact. Selector and Director PCB Aqib Javed pic.twitter.com/m06sgz31zp
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) March 14, 2026
Aaqib Javed opens up on the selection process
Meanwhile, a fresh controversy has erupted in Pakistan cricket after serious questions were raised about the fitness of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the T20 World Cup 2026. Javed revealed that an inquiry will be launched to find out how Babar and Fakhar ended up with injuries after being part of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq, Aaqib questioned how players could be selected for a World Cup if their fitness was not fully confirmed. Fakhar’s situation raised concern, while Babar also had to miss the ODI series against Bangladesh.
Aaqib explained that team selection in Pakistan cricket involves discussions between the captain, coaching staff, and selectors to ensure the strongest squad is picked. He admitted the team’s World Cup campaign failed to meet expectations. He also suggested that the National T20 Cup should have been played before the tournament so selectors could better judge players’ form and fitness.
