LAHORE: The medical management of PCB fast bowlers is under the microscope after it was revealed that Pakistan and Multan Sultan fast bowler Ihsanullah suffered an elbow injury, a routine injury that has turned into a serious one.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman slammed Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen’s shocking revelation about fast bowler Ihsanullah’s recovery from an elbow injury and reportedly plans to sack some misdiagnosed cricket board officials. and the operation failed.
Ali Tareen gave details of Ihsanullah’s recovery journey when a fan asked him about the elbow injury that sidelined him for over a year against New Zealand in March 2023.
Ihsanullah last played for Pakistan in an ODI in April 2023 and initially suffered an elbow injury, the severity of which was underestimated by the PCB medical department headed by Dr. Sohail Saleem. That game also remains the last in the competition.
Dr Saleem quit the PCB in a failed attempt to conduct the 2021 PSL season in the Covid-19 bubble, before being brought on board under Najam Sethi in early 2023.
He asserted that there was mismanagement by the PCB in relation to Ihsanullah. “There is no mistake in this,” Dr Saleem told ESPNcricinfo. “I will admit there was a delay in the initial diagnosis, but there was nothing wrong.”
However, this delay is the focus of much research. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Sultans skipper Ali Tareen said scans by the PCB’s medical department failed to pick up a fractured elbow, after he began rehabbing the elbow. Ihsanullah has continued a training regime that includes regular gym and bowling, but it is not confirmed that a more serious injury has ruled him out.
After several complaints of pain, an investigation revealed a fracture that has been significantly aggravated by the weight of the heavy load. Major medical consensus suggests that it may even be career-threatening or permanently prevent him from becoming a fast bowler with a shot at fame.
Dr Saleem said that Ihsanullah’s injuries were worse than expected. “I said I wanted more tests because I thought it was just overwork syndrome. It was diagnosed by a doctor at PCB, not my team. The lab that gave us an MRI scan gave us the wrong diagnosis. I ordered the same scan again and the fracture we got it.”
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After he complained of pain during the first day of worship, Ihansullah admitted that he was suspicious. On the advice of Dr. Saleem, the surgeon was brought to Pakistan, but despite the operation, Ihsanullah’s ability to repair his elbow has been greatly impaired.
Dr. Saleem said the pain he was complaining about was typical “post-surgery pain that everyone experiences.” The recovery period for this serious injury is longer than three months. “
There were also signs of a fractious relationship between the bowlers and the PCB during this period. Dr. Saleem asked Ihsanullah to vacate the accommodation at the National Cricket Academy provided by the PCB. He also said that players often opt for massage therapy without permission from the PCB, hampering their development.
“We work hard on Ihsanullah,” said Dr. Saleem. “We have spent money for Ihsanullah and now we have prepared the UK visa. But he wants full fitness as soon as possible. Our rehabilitation is based on independent recovery criteria.”
According to Tareen, when Dr. Javed Mugal, a physiotherapist based in England and now a consultant with the PCB, was brought in for a second opinion, he found that Ihsanullah had an injury concern, especially in his bowling shoulder. Tareen, who was not identified, told ESPNcricinfo that he believed Ihsanullah needed more surgery. If so, the PCB will be in the UK with the account.
Tareen took to Twitter this week to reveal that the Sultans, not the PCB, paid most of his living expenses during the recovery period, adding that Ihsanullah’s departure to England later this month will also be judged by the world. a famous surgeon.” The then PCB chairman, who was not in a good position for Ihsanullah’s long-term injury, told Tareen after these comments, reportedly expressing his displeasure at the bowler’s treatment. is believed to have been accepted.
