Usman Tariq: “I got an offer to play from America twice, but I only thought of representing Pakistan”
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Mystery spinner Usman Tariq has revealed that he was twice offered the chance to play cricket in the United States of America (USA), but turned both opportunities down as he was determined to represent Pakistan.
Tariq has gradually begun to receive more chances in T20Is and has made the most of his opportunities, strengthening his place in the national setup.
Despite being the sole breadwinner for his family and going through periods when he was not being selected, he said he remained committed to his dream of playing for Pakistan and never considered switching allegiance.
“When selection wasn’t happening, I was the sole breadwinner for my family, but my passion and zeal for cricket were boundless. I got an offer to play from America twice, but I only thought of representing Pakistan because Pakistan is my true identity,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Arfa Feroz Zake on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tariq was recently involved in Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Australia and took two wickets in the one game he played.
He is now featuring in the 2026 T20 World Cup and has picked up eight wickets in three matches at an average of 8.37 and an economy rate of 5.82.
Pakistan are through to the Super Eight after taking down the Netherlands, USA and Namibia in the group stage. Their only loss came against India.
The men in green will be back in action on February 21 when they take on New Zealand in Colombo.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq