(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is increasingly troubled by young fast bowler Ihsanullah’s extended recovery from a persistent elbow injury, which has now lasted for a year.
A trusted source within the PCB revealed to PTI that senior officials are growing frustrated with Ihsanullah’s recent conduct, especially after he publicly disagreed with a statement made by his father.
A few weeks ago, Ihsanullah’s father traveled to Lahore to discuss with PCB officials the possibility of having his son continue his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) rather than in their hometown of Swat. He also mentioned to the media that Ihsanullah was in favor of this move.
The following day, however, 21-year-old Ihsanullah took to Twitter to express his preference for continuing his rehab in Swat, stating that he saw no necessity to travel to Lahore. This public statement directly contradicted his father’s earlier comments.
“The board officials are worried with the sincerity and hard work Ihsan is putting into his rehab program which was designed for him by experts after he was sent to the UK for an appointment with a specialist,” the source said.
He also mentioned that the suggestion for Ihsanullah to carry on with his rehabilitation in Swat, under the guidance of a designated trainer, came from an independent medical panel selected by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
“But with fitness tests to be held before the Champions Cup domestic event there is growing concern over whether Ihsanullah himself is taking his rehab process seriously,” the source said.
Ihsanullah made a strong impression as a promising talent for Pakistan during last year’s Pakistan Super League, swiftly earning a spot in the national white-ball squad for T20 and ODI matches before his elbow injury sidelined him.
The management of Ihsanullah’s injury also resulted in the resignation of Dr. Sohail Saleem, the PCB’s head of the medical panel, following the establishment of an independent panel to reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan for the fast bowler.
