Usman Tariq achieves lifelong dream with T20I debut in Lahore

Lahore, 2 November 2025:

Off-spinner Usman Tariq became the 124th player to represent Pakistan in T20 Internationals when he made his debut against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

Usman, became only the sixth Pakistan player to make his T20I debut in Lahore, following Imad Wasim, Nauman Anwar, Haris Rauf, Ahsan Ali and Zahid Mahmood.

Reflecting on his journey in a video released by PCB Digital, Usman said his selection came at an unexpected time. “When I got the call, I was asleep because we had a mehndi function that day, I was getting married,” he said. “My club president, Gohar Ali, called to congratulate me, and at first, I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke.”

Usman revealed that financial hardships once forced him to leave cricket and work in Dubai, where he continued playing in local leagues on weekends. “I took a bold step to return to Pakistan and pursue cricket again,” he said. “People like Aslam Qureshi and Zohaib Khan helped me a lot, and the Quetta Gladiators management, Nadeem Umar and Azam Khan, supported me when they scouted me.”

Describing his debut as a dream come true, Usman said he dedicated the moment to his family. “I owe this to my mother, my uncle Jawad, and my wife, who have stood by me through everything,” he said. “The dream we saw at home has come true today.”