Former India all-rounder R Ashwin was pleased to see Daryl Mitchell objecting to Usman Tariq’s pause during the Pakistan Super League clash between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi on Friday, April 10 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Earlier this year, speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin had suggested a tactical approach, stating that batters are well within their rights to back off and question the pause, as it is completely within the rules. He also encouraged players to use the tactic against Tariq’s now-famous pause at the crease.
After Friday’s incident, Ashwin said it was up to umpires and match referees to regulate the timing of the pause in delivery, noting that batters can legitimately step away if it is inconsistent. He added that captains and batters should raise the issue before matches and praised Mitchell for his stand.
Ashwin wrote, “Now it’s up to 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 and opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done, Mitchell.”
WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN MITCHELL AND TARIQ?
The incident took place during the middle overs of Rawalpindi’s chase, when Tariq used his trademark prolonged stutter at the crease before releasing the ball. Mitchell, visibly unsettled by the disruption to his timing, stepped away from his stumps and signalled to the umpire that he was not ready to face the delivery.
The New Zealand batter even pulled out more than once during the over, drawing criticism from on-air commentator Ramiz Raja, who felt Mitchell could have handled the situation better.
Despite the confrontation, Tariq remained highly effective, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-23-3, including Mitchell’s wicket soon after their exchange. His control, at an economy rate of 5.75 on a good batting pitch, proved decisive.
The match itself was dominated by Quetta Gladiators, who won by 61 runs after posting 182 for six, led by Rilee Rossouw’s composed 53 alongside Saud Shakeel. Rawalpindi’s chase collapsed early, with only Saad Masood’s 31 offering resistance as wickets fell regularly under pressure.
– Ends