Pakistan’s young pacer Ihsanullah recently made headlines with a surprising announcement and a quick reversal of his retirement decision from the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In an emotional moment after being left out of the PSL draft, Ihsanullah had declared his retirement but later apologized, saying it was a rash decision influenced by frustration.
Ihsanullah explained that his initial announcement stemmed from disappointment and pressure from family and friends. “There’s no plan for retirement,” he said, admitting his decision was made in the heat of the moment. Reflecting on the situation, the 22-year-old vowed to work harder and prove himself in domestic cricket, aiming to earn his place in the PSL once again.
The young pacer also expressed his willingness to return to Multan Sultans, the team he represented during his stellar PSL 2023 campaign. Ihsanullah offered his apologies to the PSL franchises for his earlier comments and assured them of his dedication to making a strong comeback. He thanked Ali Khan Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their support during his recovery from an elbow injury.
Ali Khan Tareen, while speaking about Ihsanullah, shared unfortunate news regarding the bowler’s injury. According to medical experts, Ihsanullah’s elbow, damaged from a previous botched surgery, may never fully recover, affecting his ability to bowl at his previous speeds. Tareen mentioned that Ihsanullah, once capable of bowling at 155 km/h, was now limited to speeds of 130-135 km/h.
Despite these challenges, Ihsanullah remains optimistic. Known for his exceptional performance in PSL 2023, where he was the second-highest wicket-taker with 22 dismissals, the pacer quickly rose to prominence. His ability to bowl consistently at high speeds earned him a spot on Pakistan’s national team, where he made his T20I debut against Afghanistan in March 2023.
Unfortunately, Ihsanullah’s promising rise was halted by an elbow injury during his ODI debut against New Zealand in April 2023. After undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, he returned to competitive cricket in December 2024, representing Dolphins in the Champions T20 Cup. However, his performance was below expectations, taking only two wickets in four matches.
Ihsanullah now aims to focus on his recovery and training, promising fans that he will bounce back stronger. While his journey has seen ups and downs, his determination and resilience continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts across Pakistan.
Read Also: Ihsanullah Pace Bowling Career in Jeopardy!