Pakistani Cricketer Who Watched MS Dhoni’s Biopic, Quit Sales Job, Now Set for T20I Debut

Former India captain MS​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Dhoni’s journey is one of the most talked-about stories, a guy from the small town of Ranchi who eventually took Indian cricket to greater heights. His ability to remain calm under pressure, his daring leadership, and his unwavering faith in his teammates made Indian cricket a different entity altogether. What is unique to him is not only his records or trophies, but his mentality, one that remains humble, simple, and honest.

The movie ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’ effectively represented Dhoni's life journey and garnered a lot of attention when it was released in theaters. It didn’t only affect Indian fans but also resonated with millions globally as they saw that dreams are not confined to a particular place. One among those who were enormously influenced was also an unexpected fan, a 27-year-old Pakistani spinner who, after watching MS Dhoni's story, made up his mind to come back to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌cricket.

From Dubai Office to Cricket Comeback: What is Usman Tariq MS Dhoni Story?

The 27-year-old mystery spinner from Pakistan, Usman Tariq, was so fed up with the game at one point that he was going to quit cricket altogether. After failing to achieve success in domestic competitions, he moved to Dubai and took a job to support himself. However, one night, while he was scrolling through the internet, he coincidentally came across a biopic - M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. The casual viewing that he had initially started changed into a life-altering moment for him.

Tariq reflected on the fact that Dhoni’s rise was what made him remember the root of his own journey and why he played the game in the first place. Seeing Dhoni fight against setbacks and criticism, and then emerge victorious to become the GOAT of cricket, it was this story that helped him regain faith in his own dream. The movie gave him a chance to revive his career.

Usman Tariq Pakistan Debut Set to be Soon

Meanwhile, Usman Tariq's comeback was not as smooth as he had hoped. After Quetta Gladiators had given him a thumbs-up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2024, Tariq’s bowling action was reported to be illegal. However, he did not quit this time and continued playing cricket. He spent long hours working on his action, after which he received clearance and was able to return to competitive matches.

Moreover, his terrific performance came in the domestic leagues and the Caribbean Premier League, where he took 20 wickets while playing for Trinbago Knight Riders, and got him selected into the Pakistan national cricket team squad for the T20I series against South Africa. He aims to become one of the best T20 bowlers in the world in future.

“I left the game after I did not get selected, and was working as a salesman in a purchasing company in Dubai. There I watched 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story' and it inspired me a lot. I left the job and came back to Pakistan to pursue cricket again,” Tariq told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) on Tuesday, ahead of the first T20I against South Africa.

Usman Tariq Pakistan debut might finally come happen soon, especially given the dearth of bowling options for Pakistan. His mystery spin can be useful against South African batters, who have never faced him before. The Proteas currently lead the series 1-0 and look favorites to win the second game as well.