Usman Tariq: “I must credit Nicholas Pooran, he saw me in the Abu Dhabi T10 and suggested me in the Knight Riders. He believed in me and trusted that I could deliver, and I did. Pooran and Pollard supported me when I really needed it”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has expressed gratitude to West Indies power-hitters Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard for believing in and supporting him.
He revealed that Pooran identified his potential during the Abu Dhabi T10 League and subsequently recommended him to the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the International League T20 (ILT20).
Tariq has since emerged as one of the most exciting spinners in the game, gaining attention for his unorthodox bowling action and consistent wicket-taking ability.
“I must credit Nicholas Pooran, he saw me in the Abu Dhabi T10 and suggested me in the Knight Riders. He believed in me and trusted that I could deliver, and I did. Pooran and Pollard supported me when I really needed it,” the 28-year-old was quoted as saying on X.
Tariq has represented Pakistan in nine T20Is and taken 18 wickets at an average of 11.16 and an economy rate of 6.66.
He recently featured for the Quetta Gladiators in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and claimed nine wickets in 10 games at an average of 33.55 and an economy rate of 7.55.
Pakistan just wrapped up a Test tour of Bangladesh, where they suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss.
Next up for Pakistan will be a three-match ODI series against Australia, which will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 to June 4.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test Series: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi