Many young cricket players have used the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to highlight their skills; one such rising star was bowler Ihsanullah of Multan Sultans. Claiming 22 wickets and positioning himself as one of Pakistan’s most promising prospects, the youthful fast bowler rocked the competition in PSL 2023.
His performances caught the attention of cricket fans and platforms like 1xbat, which follow emerging talent closely. However, a career-threatening injury suffered in Pakistan’s ODI series against New Zealand in April 2023 stopped his development.
Ihsanullah’s path has been difficult since then, full of obstacles and a fierce will to get back to his best. Owner of Multan Sultans Ali Tareen recently gave an update on the future of the club, disclosing his intentions for a return.
The Fall and Rise of Ihsanullah
PSL 2023: Innovative Season
The ascent to popularity of Ihsanullah was just amazing. He finished among the top wicket-takers in PSL 2023, frightening hitters with his raw velocity and accuracy. He was a fan favorite and qualified for Pakistan’s national squad since he could regularly bowl over 145 kmph and produce dangerous yolks.
The Horrible Damage
As his career was gathering steam, calamity struck. Ihsanullah had an elbow injury during Pakistan’s home ODI series against New Zealand in April 2023 that sidelined him for months. The damage was severe enough to keep him off PSL 2024, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he would ever revert to his former form.
The Trials of Healing after a Mistaken Surgery?
Earlier this year, Ali Tareen revealed startling information implying mishandling damage to Ihsanullah. According to him, a “botched” elbow operation left the pacemaker permanently scarred, so preventing his arm from straightening entirely.
“We got Ihsanullah seen with a top surgeon, who gave us really bad news,” Tareen added. “His arm will never be perfectly straight again and he may never bowl with the same speed whatever we do.”
For supporters, this news was depressing since Ihsanullah was previously expected to be the next great fast-bowler from Pakistan.
A Temporary Retirement Turnaround
Ihsanullah missed PSL 2024 and, later on, in the Champions T20 Cup, tried a comeback, accumulating two wickets in four games. Still, his problems persisted when he failed the PSL 10 draft.
The youthful pacer declared his league retirement at a frustrated moment; only one day later, he changed his mind, proving his will to rebel.
The Comeback Strategy Pay Attention to Domestic Cricket
Ihsanullah is not giving up in the face of the challenges. Ali Tareen claims the pacer is entirely focused on recovering his form and fitness by means of domestic cricket.
Tareen informed in a recent podcast that “Ihsanullah’s plan is to play a full domestic season and make a comeback next year in the PSL.” “I ran upon him during a nets session; he is bowling very nicely. He will return in full fitness and participate in a domestic cricket season.
Confidence of Ihsanullah Regarding His Speed
Although his elbow still causes some questions, Ihsanullah himself has discounted them. He boldly claimed in an interview with a local sports news source that he is still able to bowl at 150kmph.
“I am bowling at 142 mph, and reaching 150kmph is not a big deal for me,” he remarked. “It makes no difference whether my elbow is straight or bent. If you are driven, you can bowl at 150. I’ll be regularly bowling at that speed in a month.
He suggested that he already exceeded 147 mph, and he even claimed speed guns were underreading his deliveries by 5kmph.
Can Ihsanullah Regain His Old Form? The Road Ahead
Still unanswered is whether Ihsanullah would be able to resume his best performance. Fast bowling is quite physically taxing; hence, a damaged elbow could reduce his performance. History has shown, nevertheless, that athletes can overcome career-threatening injuries with the correct rehabilitation and mental fortitude.
The Part Played by Multan Sultans and PCB
Ihsanullah’s recuperation would rely much on the management of Multan Sultans and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His return will depend mostly on appropriate medical support, training, and match exposure in domestic cricket.
Given the franchise is dedicated to enabling its star pacer to return to the PSL stage, Ali Tareen’s continuous backing is encouraging.
Final Thought
The account of Ihsanullah is one of resiliency. From among the most exciting fast bowlers in Pakistan to suffering a career-threatening injury, his path has been a rollercoaster. Even if obstacles still exist, his will to get back stronger is admirable.
Should he show his fitness and negotiate the domestic circuit, PSL 2025 will be the victorious comeback of one of Pakistan’s most gifted fast bowlers. Fans will be watching impatiently to see if Ihsanullah can once more light the speed gun with his blazing deliveries and retake his place among the best.