Tariq’s Road to Glory: How a Dhoni Film Sparked His T20 World Cup Dream

The mystery spinner of Pakistan, Usman Tariq, revealed how watching a movie inspired by MS Dhoni helped him return to cricket in style. He said the film motivated him to play professional cricket again, a step that has now brought him into the spotlight in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

"I came back to cricket after watching the MS Dhoni movie. After watching that movie, I felt our stories were similar. I was doing a job and he was also doing a job (before taking cricket seriously).” said Usman Tariq while talking at the press conference.

“So I felt like here's a person who has created history. I am a simple human being, too. Perhaps I can adopt the same pathway but I would need to do a lot of hard work like all others have done. I came back to cricket just because of MS Dhoni." added Usman Tariq.

When asked whether he is happy to see other teams preparing especially to play against him, Usman said that it is a positive sign for him which has improved his self-belief and confidence in his skills.

"It is a good sign for me, I guess, that opposition teams are preparing for me on how to tackle Usman Tariq. I get more confidence from the fact that there is some special preparation being done to play against me. I am also enjoying every moment." said Usman Tariq.

Talking about the India vs Pakistan encounter, Tariq said that it was a good matchup which he would like to play again if given the opportunity in the future.

"Pakistan-India matches are seen by both nations and across the world. Honestly, I was feeling this match as an opportunity, a big opportunity where I can earn a name. I tried my level-best. Personally, I felt I wasn't up to the mark. If I ever get (to play such) a match again I would love to do much better than what I did in the last game (against India).” added Usman Tariq.