Pakistan fast bowler Ihsanullah disclosed the complete story of his injury ordeal following his exclusion from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft, which led to an emotional announcement of retirement.
Although he later retracted his decision, the cricketer, for the first time, elaborated on his struggles during a conversation on Samaa TV programme "Zor Ka Jor".
Speaking about his recovery, Ihsanullah stated, "Insha’Allah, I will be fit within four months. With National T20, Sindh Premier League, and KPL ahead, I will perform in these leagues in a way that all franchises will recognise me again as the same Ehsanullah, with no change."
The fast bowler detailed his ordeal, recounting how his troubles began during the PSL when he experienced no restrictions and trained intensively. He was selected for the Afghanistan series, where, according to him, "We did not even get a masseur. On the wickets in Sharjah, I exerted myself. Upon returning, I informed PCB officials that I needed a masseur as my elbow and shoulder were extremely fatigued."
Ihsanullah revealed that following the Afghanistan series, he returned home but was soon selected for the New Zealand ODI and T20 series.
"In the New Zealand series, I bowled well on the first day of camp. However, on the second day, after delivering the third ball, I felt pain in the inner part of my elbow," he recalled. Despite undergoing an MRI, the fracture in the bone went undetected.
The pacer recounted that he was told the MRI results showed no issues. However, the pain persisted when he attempted weight training, and his hand neither straightened nor bent properly.
"I am grateful to Dr Sohail, who said, 'Ihsan, son, there is definitely something wrong here. Seven weeks have passed, and it is still not bending.' A CT scan later revealed that a bone fragment was indeed broken," Ihsanullah stated.
According to him, the surgery in Lahore involved fixing a screw in the bone, but the rehabilitation process was challenging.
Even swimming exercises did not improve his condition. When he was considered for the PSL, Dr Javed Mughal expressed concerns about his inability to straighten his elbow, deeming him unfit to play.
Ihsanullah revealed that Ali Tareen facilitated his treatment in England. "In England, the doctor informed me that loosening the screw during surgery would not fully straighten the arm, leaving a five-degree bend," he explained.
"Without surgery, he managed to reduce my arm’s bend from 18 degrees to five degrees within just 11 weeks," Ihsanullah concluded.
