(Source X)
Bangladesh pace bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has requested a two-month hiatus from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to address mental health issues. Struggling with depression, Saifuddin has withdrawn from the Bangladesh ‘A’ team’s tour of Pakistan.
His absence is a significant setback for Bangladesh, as he was scheduled to participate in the second four-day match and the subsequent one-day series against Pakistan ‘A’, ahead of the two-match Test series against Pakistan starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Mohammad Saifuddin seeks a two-month hiatus due to mental health challenges and ongoing injury issues
The 27-year-old made this request following his selection for the Bangladesh A team. Saifuddin’s distress was heightened by his absence from the Global T20 Canada, where he was contracted by the Montreal Tigers. He could not join the league due to visa issues, exacerbated by the political instability in Bangladesh.
In an email sent to the selectors earlier this month, Saifuddin detailed his frustration over being left out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad and his inability to participate in the ongoing Global T20 Canada 2024.
A BCB selection panel member was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “He sent me an email on July 30, after the A team was announced, expressing his mental distress over missing the Global T20 and the last World Cup. He requested not to be considered for any form of cricket for the next two months and to view his letter positively. I replied ‘noted’ and mentioned we need to talk when he returns to Dhaka to understand what he’s going through.”
The BCB has also confirmed that Saifuddin sustained a rib injury on July 26 during a gym session in Mirpur, just before his scheduled departure for the T20 league in Canada. As a result, the board decided not to permit the all-rounder to participate in the tournament.
Saifuddin hurt his rib just before his flight to Canada: BCB physiotherapist
BCB physiotherapist Muzadded Sany reported that Saifuddin continued to experience persistent pain following his gym session, prompting consultations with the BCB medical team. Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, the chief physician, evaluated the injury and administered treatment, highlighting that the long flight could potentially worsen the condition.
The BCB medical committee official said: “Saifuddin hurt his rib and came to us just before his flight. After assessing him, we found it too risky for him to travel for 20–22 hours with that kind of pain. He came to BCB a day before his scheduled flight on July 24 after pulling a chest muscle while working out. Despite primary treatment, his pain persisted, leading to our decision not to allow him to participate in the Global T20.”
The selectors are frustrated by Saifuddin’s withdrawal, especially as he had already missed several practice sessions with the Bangladesh Tigers in Sylhet and Chattogram last month. His sudden exit, attributed to ongoing fitness and mental health issues, poses significant challenges for the Bangladesh ‘A’ team’s preparations for the Pakistan tour.
The four-day matches are set to begin on August 13, with the three one-day games scheduled for August 26.
