'Stigma is real': Usman Khawaja defends Pakistan bowler over 'chucker' allegations spurred by Cameron Green

Usman Khawaja has leapt to the defence of Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq after he was the topic of debate during the T20 series against Australia.

The hosts completed a 3-0 series clean sweep against the Aussies on Sunday night in Lahore, but it was what happened in the second match that sparked debate.

Australia were bowled out for 108 in just 15.4 overs in reply to Pakistan's 5-198 as leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed (3-14) and Shadab Khan (3-26) caused havoc with the ball.

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But it was the work from Tariq that caused a storm after Cameron Green top-edged a shot into the hands of a Pakistan fielder.

As he walked off the field, Green was seen shaking his head and then gesturing to the Aussie bench about Tariq's bowling action.

Green was motioning that Tariq was throwing the ball, mimicking his low slinging style.

The reaction from Green led to criticism and question marks over Tariq's bowling action on social media, despite already being cleared on two separate occasions.

In response to the criticism, Khawaja shared an Instagram story defending Tariq and said fans needed to "stop jumping to conclusions" on the topic.

"There aren't many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket," he said.

"The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and been cleared twice.

"Let's have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions."

Khawaja, who was a teammate of Green's at Test level until a few weeks ago, did not directly criticise the Australian all-rounder.

Australia ended up losing the third and final T20 by a record margin of 111 runs.