Last Updated:October 30, 2025, 12:56 IST
The mystery spinner gave up on his cricket dream for a job in Dubai, but his life changed after watching MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.
Usman Tariq (right) is part of Pakistan’s T20I squad for the ongoing South Africa series. (AFP Photo)
Usman Tariq had given up on his cricket dream and taken up a job as a salesman in Dubai. Tariq, a mystery spinner, was disheartened after not getting selected and thus turned his back on cricket.
However, the legendary MS Dhoni changed his life.
How?
Well, Tariq happened to watch MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, a movie based on the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s life and how he overcame initial struggles to become one of the greatest cricketers to have played the game.
An inspired Tariq quit the stable job and resumed his cricket journey. Nearly five years later, he’s now on the verge of realising his dream of representing Pakistan in international cricket after being called up to their T20I squad for the ongoing bilateral series against South Africa at home.
“I left the game after I did not get selected and started working as a salesman in a purchasing company in Dubai,” Tariq told telecomasia. “One day, I watched M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, and it inspired me a lot. I left the job and went back to Pakistan to pursue cricket again.”
Tariq hit the headlines long before earning a maiden call-up for Pakistan. His unique action has been a source of controversy with him being repeatedly reported for a suspect action while playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He underwent assessment before being cleared by experts.
The 27-year-old Tariq claims his action is due to a deformity in his right elbow.
“I am born with a unique right elbow which has two corners instead of one. That’s just how my arm is,” he said.
Having overcome several setbacks, Tariq is focused on playing international cricket.
“I just want to play for Pakistan and perform. It took a long time to reach here, but every setback has made me stronger,” he said.
Feroz Khan
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
First Published:
October 30, 2025, 12:56 IST
News cricket Pakistani Salesman Quit Job After Watching MS Dhoni’s Biopic, Now Set To Make T20I DebutDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
