How MS Dhoni's Biopic Transformed a Dubai Laborer Into Pakistan's Cricket Star
In 2017, a simple movie night in Dubai became the turning point that would redirect a young man's life toward international cricket stardom. Haseeb ur Rahman vividly recalls watching MS Dhoni: The Untold Story with his cousin Usman Tariq, little knowing the film would ignite a passion that would overcome immense obstacles.
The Life-Changing Scene That Sparked a Dream
"What moved him was how Dhoni worked as a ticket collector while juggling his dream of playing cricket for India," Haseeb tells TimesofIndia.com from Dubai. "The scene where Dhoni sits on a rainy platform bench, then runs to catch a train home to give cricket another shot - that inspired Usman to take his own leap of faith."
After the movie, Usman declared to his cousin: "Bhai jaan mera scene bhi toh yahi hai" (My case is also pretty similar). Haseeb noticed something transformative in his cousin's eyes that night - "Uski aankhon mey ek zidd thi, ek junoon, aap yun keh leh ki pagalpan tha" (There was a stubborn resolve, a burning obsession, you could even call it madness).
From Onion Chopper to Cricket Sensation
Usman's journey began with profound hardship. After losing his father in 2007, the teenager became his family's sole breadwinner, moving to Dubai to work in a hotel kitchen. "His job was chopping onions all day," Haseeb remembers. "He messaged me saying his back hurt from standing constantly. He couldn't continue."
The struggles multiplied when Haseeb tried to help Usman find work in Kabul, where temperatures plunged to minus 15 degrees. "I even offered to take a salary cut so my boss could hire him secretly, but nothing worked out," Haseeb reveals. Usman returned to Pakistan, doing odd jobs for three years before rejoining Haseeb in Dubai.
Accommodation proved another challenge. "He stayed in a labor camp in Sonapur, sharing a room with 20 people," Haseeb recounts. "When I invited him to my friend's flat, I'll never forget the happiness in his eyes at having a proper place to sleep."
The Breakthrough and Viral Bowling
Usman's cricket journey gained momentum when he joined an academy in Nowshera, about 30 kilometers from their village Charsadda. "He bowled to Pakistan cricketer Iftikhar Ahmed in the nets, and one day his bowling video went viral on social media," Haseeb explains.
Suddenly, Usman became a local celebrity. "People paid him 500 to 1,500 rupees to play club matches," Haseeb laughs. "That money helped with fuel costs." Haseeb himself gifted Usman a bike so he wouldn't have to walk kilometers to matches.
The breakthrough came through Peshawar Zalmi's talent hunt in Dubai. "When Usman bowled, they were impressed and asked him to bowl six more balls," Haseeb recalls. Though initially unsigned, Zalmi later called him back to Pakistan - an offer Usman tearfully declined because he couldn't afford to lose his logistics job.
International Recognition and Bowling Action Controversy
Usman's persistence eventually paid off with appearances in the Karachi Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, and ultimately Pakistan's national team. However, his unique bowling action has drawn scrutiny and controversy.
During T20 series against Australia, Cameron Green mimicked his action, accusing him of chucking. England's Tom Banton made similar gestures during ILT20 matches. Former India spinner R Ashwin commented: "There is a pause in Usman Tariq's action, which is legally allowed. His action is unusual and unique with variations."
Support came from unexpected quarters. Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja defended him on Instagram: "There aren't many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The man has been cleared twice." Pakistan teammate Salman Ali Agha also stood by him: "He has been tested twice and cleared it. Does he need to hang a notice around his neck saying he's clear?"
Mental Fortitude Forged Through Adversity
Through the controversy, Haseeb says Usman remains remarkably resilient. "He jokes about it," Haseeb shares. "He says, 'Jitni nafrat faila rahe, main utna mashoor ho raha hoon' (The more hatred they spread, the more famous I become)."
This mental toughness was forged through years of struggle. Usman often told his cousin: "Bhai jaan, main yeh 9-to-5 waali zindagi ke liye nahi bana hoon" (I am not built for a nine-to-five life). Like Dhoni, whose unconventional techniques once drew criticism, Usman aims to be known for his wicket-taking ability rather than his bowling action.
From chopping onions in Dubai to representing Pakistan internationally, Usman Tariq's journey exemplifies how inspiration can transform destiny. His story continues to unfold as he prepares for future challenges, carrying with him the same determination that first sparked in a Dubai living room during a movie about another cricket legend's improbable rise.
