Usman Khawaja: “There aren’t many things worse than being called a ‘chucker’ in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and [has] been cleared twice”

Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani

Former Australia opener Usman Khawaja has come to the defence of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, saying there is almost nothing worse than being called a chucker.

Khawaja’s remarks follow ongoing accusations surrounding Tariq’s bowling action, despite it having been officially deemed legal.

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green drew attention earlier this year when he appeared to suggest that the 28-year-old was chucking the ball.

However, with Tariq’s action now cleared, Khawaja has urged critics to refrain from making such claims, stressing that the allegations are unfounded.

“There aren’t many things worse than being called a ‘chucker’ in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and [has] been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions,” he was quoted as saying by A Sports.

Tariq is currently playing for Warwickshire in the 2026 Vitality Blast in England and has taken 11 wickets in nine matches at an average of 19.81 and an economy rate of 6.41.

He didn’t feature in Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against Bangladesh or the three ODIs against Australia.

The men in green will be back in action soon as they are scheduled to tour the West Indies for two Tests in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to August 6.

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