Ravichandran Ashwin PSL controversy has put a new spin to an already tense situation in the PSL Season 11. The debate started upon the bewilderment with the strange bowling motion of Usman Tariq in a game between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi in the National Bank Stadium.
The case soon attracted attention. Fans and experts were split. Others felt that this was not right, and others justified the style used by the bowler as a new style as opposed to an illegal one.
Ravichandran Ashwin has now intervened with a moderate opinion. Sharing his view on X, Ashwin did not pick a clear side. Instead, he brought out one of the technical aspects that many had failed to notice.
To him, both points of view hold some truth. He conceded that the alarm sounded by Mitchell was legitimate. Meanwhile, he did not reject the approach of Tariq completely. Ashwin indicated that the fact of the matter is consistency. When the bowler adjusts the time between deliveries when he pauses, then it may give an undue advantage. This critical perspective changes the argument. It is no longer an issue of legality. Now it is rhythm and bluff and justice in the rules of the game.
Such instances are evidence of the way the modern day cricket is taking shape. Non traditional ways are also getting prevalent other than in the faster paced leagues such as the PSL. But they also pose pertinent questions to umpires and governing bodies.
The reaction of Ashwin is unique as it is more logical and not emotional. His contribution might not be the final word on an issue, but it definitely provides some clarity to a bewildering occurrence.
