Usman Tariq of Pakistan (Getty Images)

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes the buzz surrounding spinner Usman Tariq could give his team a mental edge over India ahead of their T20 World Cup clash in Colombo on Sunday. Tariq’s unconventional bowling has sparked widespread debate, with some fans even questioning the legality of his action. Hafeez, however, framed this attention as a strategic benefit, claiming it has unsettled the Indian side. “From a cricketing perspective, the hype around Usman Tariq is already a psychological victory for us. Right now, no one is talking about Babar Azam or anyone else. The focus is entirely on Tariq. He’s played just one or two matches for Pakistan, yet imagine the panic he’s causing in the Indian camp. They are specifically practicing against him in their sessions,” Hafeez told Tapmad.

He added, “How often do you see this much discussion about a single player? The media, fans, and the world are thinking not just about the match result, but about what Usman Tariq might do tomorrow.” Hafeez praised Tariq’s temperament, insisting the 28-year-old has the ability to turn games on his own. He advised Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to deploy Tariq aggressively, warning that defensive use would limit his impact. “I want to see how positively Salman Agha makes decisions and how he uses Usman Tariq. If he’s used defensively, nothing will work. You need an attacking mindset. Even the sixth over can be crucial, usually bowled by your most impactful player,” Hafeez explained. “Planning around Tariq is key. If he’s used in an attacking zone, he can be very effective. I’m not saying Abrar, Nawaz, or Shadab won’t matter, but right now, all eyes are on Usman Tariq,” he concluded.