Pakistan's Tariq Hype: A Game Plan?

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has declared that the intense focus on spinner Usman Tariq is a significant psychological victory for Pakistan. He observed considerable 'panic' in the Indian camp, suggesting it distracts them from other formidable players on the Pakistani team. This heightened attention on Tariq, who has played only four T20Is, has led to India specifically practicing against his unique round-arm action and distinct pause in his bowling.

Hafeez pointed out that the unprecedented discussion around a single player, Usman Tariq, demonstrates the psychological impact he has already created. He drew parallels to a past instance in 2016 when Indian media extensively covered bowler Mohammad Irfan, noting that Irfan did not take wickets against India in their games that year.

Urging Pakistan's captain, Salman Agha, to leverage this momentum, Hafeez advised an aggressive approach to Tariq's usage. He emphasized that defensive tactics would be ineffective and advocated for an attacking mindset, potentially deploying Tariq as early as the sixth over, which he considers a crucial period for impactful bowlers.