Pakistan fast bowler Ihsanullah has reversed his decision to retire from all franchise cricket just 24 hours after making the announcement. The former Multan Sultans player admitted that the decision was made in an emotional state of mind.
"I take my decision back," Ihsanullah told Geo Super. "No franchise picked me, and the criticism from people pushed me over the edge. But I’m determined to work hard. There are four months until the PSL, and I believe those who didn’t select me now will choose me in the future. I have no plans to retire."
Ihsanullah, 22, initially announced his retirement shortly after going unsold in the draft for the tenth edition of the PSL. At the time, he stated that it wasn’t an impulsive decision, expressing frustration with the cricketing system and those he felt had overlooked him.
A rising star in 2023, known for his express pace and wicket-taking ability, Ihsanullah's career was derailed by an elbow injury sustained during his first ODI series against New Zealand. The treatment of his injury became a point of contention, with Multan Sultans' owner Ali Tareen criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to provide proper medical support. Tareen revealed that the Sultans had shouldered the cost of Ihsanullah’s recovery.
Tareen stated that Ihsanullah had reached out to apologize for publicly criticizing him and expressed gratitude for his support during rehabilitation. Despite the assurance of a monthly income through a Grade 2 team associated with Multan Sultans, Tareen explained why the bowler wasn’t picked in the PSL draft, citing concerns about his readiness for high-level cricket by April.
An independent report had previously condemned the PCB’s handling of Ihsanullah's injury, highlighting delays in diagnosis, inadequate treatment plans, and poorly executed surgery. The report partially blamed Ihsanullah for not adhering to the prescribed rehabilitation plan but criticized the overall lack of proper care. It concluded that his hurried surgery lacked specialist oversight, leaving permanent scarring and reducing the functionality of his arm.
Tareen, speaking candidly on a podcast, shared that consultations with a UK-based doctor revealed irreparable damage to Ihsanullah's arm, stating it would never fully straighten due to the scarring from the initial surgery. Despite these challenges, Ihsanullah remains determined to work towards his return to cricket.
Updated on 16th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.