‘Jasprit Bumrah is Usman Tariq of fast bowling’:Aaqib Javed makes weird comparison; PCB denies reports of fining players

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed has made a strange comparison between Jasprit Bumrah and Usman Tariq. Bumrah is one of the best bowlers of this generation and his skill was on full display at the T20 World Cup, where his brilliance was pivotal to India winning a record third title. Usman Tariq has caused ripples in international cricket already, with this ‘stop-start’ action being the talking point. Javed likened the two bowlers, calling Bumrah the ‘Usman Tariq of fast bowling.’ Aaqib Javed bizarrely compares Jasprit Bumrah with Usman Tariq Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Javed made this weird comment while speaking on Bumrah’s action. “Aaj ke daur mein pure World Cup mein ek aisa bowler hai Jasprit Bumrah – usko bhi abhi maar padna shuru hui hai. He is different, na normal bowler ki tarah uska action hai. Woh fast bowlers ka Usman Tariq hai. Jis tarah woh aata hai, batsmen ka flow nahin banta hai na rhythm banne ko deta hai,” he said. (In the current age and in the T20 World Cup, there is Jasprit Bumrah and even he goes for runs. He is different and doesn’t have an action like a normal bowler. He is the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers. The way he bowls, he doesn’t let the batsmen get into a rhythm or flow.) Bumrah delivered on the big stage for India once again, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup 2026, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy with 14 wickets to his name. In the final, the premier pacer took four wickets for just 13 runs, demolishing New Zealand’s batting effort completely. Tariq, on the other hand, made his international debut just before the T20 World Cup. The mystery spinner attracted eyeballs for his unorthodox action and at the T20 World Cup, he took 10 wickets in six matches, with his best being a four-wicket haul in a do-or-die clash against Namibia. Also read: Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir, Jay Shah visit Siddhivinayak Temple: Abhishek Sharma prayed at Vaishno Devi despite Kirti Azad’s remark PCB refutes reports of fining players for T20 WC flop show The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have refuted reports of fining their players after their failure at the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan, for a second consecutive T20 World Cup edition, failed to make it to the semifinal round, being knocked out from the Super 8 stage. After the debacle in Sri Lanka, reports emerged all over that claimed that the PCB had imposed a fine of PKR 50 lakhs, which translates to ₹16 lakh in Indian money. As the reports surfaced, the PCB faced heavy criticism from several quarters, including former players. Reports of the PCB fining the players were dismissed by the board’s spokesperson Amir Mir. While interacting with reporters in Lahore, Mir said, “No player has been fined, but yes, the board is thinking about working out a formula for players because they get a lot of incentives when they perform well.” Salaries of Pakistan players There are four categories according to which Pakistan national cricket team players receive salaries. Category A receives around PKR 65 lakh, Category B PKR 45 lakh, Category C PKR 20 lakh, and Category D PKR 12.50 lakh rupees every month. However, PCB removed Category A in the last list of central contracts, from July 2025 to June 2026, Pakistan players receive match and tour fees, and win bonuses, in addition to a monthly retainer under the central contract. Players also receive a share from the board’s logo sponsorship agreement. Last year, it was decided that players would be given a 3% share of PCB’s annual income from the ICC, which is approximately equal to (34 million US dollars annually). Pakistan eliminated despite win over Sri Lanka
Pakistan narrowly won their first group stage match at the T20 World Cup, against the Netherlands. They then defeated the USA. Given the conditions in Sri Lanka and the strength of their spin bowlers, a better performance was expected against India, but the team lost by 61 runs. Pakistan then reached the Super 8 stage by defeating Namibia in their last match. Their first match in the Super 8 stage was against New Zealand and it was washed out due to rain. Against England, Salman Ali Agha’s men were undone by a Harry Brook hundred. After the loss, Pakistan’s semifinal hopes depended on the results of other matches. Despite a close win over Sri Lanka, the run rate remained poor. As a result, New Zealand made it to the semifinals while Pakistan crashed out.