New Delhi: Life often writes scripts more dramatic than cinema and Usman Tariq’s story is one such example. The 27-year-old Pakistani cricketer, now being hailed as the nation’s new “mystery spinner,” made a remarkable return to professional cricket after being inspired by a Bollywood film, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.
After being overlooked in domestic cricket, Tariq had quit the sport and moved to Dubai, where he worked as a salesman in a purchasing firm. But fate had other plans. One evening, he watched the biopic on former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and something within him changed.
“I left the game after I didn’t get selected. While working in Dubai, I watched the MS Dhoni movie, and it inspired me a lot. I left my job and came back to Pakistan to pursue cricket again,” Tariq told a news agency.
From Setback to Stardom: A Dream Rekindled
Tariq’s bold decision to quit his secure job and return to the field was a gamble but it paid off handsomely. In the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he emerged as one of the standout performers, taking 20 wickets and finishing second only to veteran spinner Imran Tahir. His success in the league opened the doors to the Pakistan T20I squad for the ongoing series against South Africa.
However, Tariq’s rise hasn’t been without controversy. His distinctive bowling action a pause mid-delivery followed by a sharp side-arm flick, raised eyebrows during the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where it was briefly reported as illegal. Later, biomechanical tests in Lahore cleared his action, confirming it complied with international regulations.
Interestingly, Tariq attributes his unusual action to a rare physical trait: “I was born with a unique right elbow that has two corners,” he revealed.
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The Dhoni Effect: A Cross-Border Inspiration
It’s not every day that an Indian cricketer’s story inspires a Pakistani player’s comeback. But Dhoni’s journey, from a ticket collector in Ranchi to one of cricket’s greatest captains, transcends borders and sports.
Released in 2016, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story portrayed the rise of the calm and composed Indian skipper, whose leadership redefined modern cricket. Starring Sushant Singh Rajput, the film became a massive hit and continues to motivate aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Dhoni’s achievements are legendary, under his captaincy, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He remains the only captain in history to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments.
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Faith, Resilience, and a Second Chance
For Usman Tariq, Dhoni’s story wasn’t just a film, it was a lifeline. His own journey from obscurity to the national team is now being celebrated as a testament to persistence and belief.
“I just want to play for Pakistan and perform. It took a long time to reach here, but every setback made me stronger,” Tariq said.
From a Dubai salesman to an international cricketer, Usman Tariq’s story is proof that sometimes, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, even from across the border.