Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq has been signed by Warwickshire Bears for the Vitality T20 Blast 2026, with the tournament set to begin on May 22, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
In a statement, the county side said the 30-year-old spinner had multiple franchise offers from around the world but chose Warwickshire as his next destination.
Tariq is expected to spend much of the English summer at Edgbaston, with his Blast campaign to be followed by a stint in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix, who picked him for £140,000 in the players’ draft held in March.
Expressing his excitement, Tariq said he was eager to join the squad and contribute to the team’s energy on the field.
“I am very excited to bring more fun and energy to the Bears. I can’t wait to get involved with the squad, and it’s a great feeling to be part of this team,” he said, adding that he looked forward to seeing fans at Edgbaston this summer.
Warwickshire Performance Director James Thomas described Tariq as a “high-impact player” and said the club was pleased to secure his services for the upcoming season.
He highlighted Tariq’s skill set, tactical awareness, and competitive mindset, adding that his move aligns with the club’s integrated approach across county and franchise cricket.
Thomas said the arrangement would help maintain continuity for the player across both competitions while strengthening the team’s overall impact and connection with supporters in Birmingham and Warwickshire.