Top News

R Ashwin’s X post went viral after Daryl Mitchell used a “step away” tactic against Usman Tariq’s stop-and-pause delivery in PSL 2026. Ashwin said umpires must regulate such pauses consistently, and batters can move away if timing is irregular. The incident has sparked debate over bowling delays and fair play in modern cricket.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has once again found himself at the centre of cricketing discussion after his strategic suggestion about handling “pause deliveries” resurfaced during a controversial PSL 2026 moment.

The incident took place during a match involving Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq, who is known for his unusual “stop-and-pause” action before releasing the ball. In a viral sequence, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell reportedly walked away from his crease when Tariq delayed his delivery, effectively disrupting the bowler’s rhythm. The moment quickly went viral and sparked debate over playing tactics and the legality of such pauses.

Following the incident, Ashwin’s remark on X gained massive attention. In his message, he emphasized that the responsibility lies with umpires and match referees to regulate the timing of such pauses in the bowler’s run-up. He also stressed that consistency is key, warning that batters are within their rights to step away if the timing becomes irregular.

“Now it’s upto the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery. If the pause isn’t consistent, then the batter has every right to move away. The captains & opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done Mitchell,” Ashwin wrote.