Pakistan fast bowler Ihsanullah has decided to come back out of retirement hours after announcing that he will move away and boycott the PSL completely. The fast bowler revealed that he was carried away by emotions that prompted him to make such a decision.
He rose to fame through the 2023 Pakistan Super League when he caught the eye with his raw pace and ability to run through opponents. He played a key role in Multan Sultan’s run to the final.
The fast bowler is capable of a constant speed of around 150 km/h. However, his career was hampered by injuries that affected his career. He was not picked or contacted by any franchise in the PSL 2025 draft recently.
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Ihsanullah makes a shocking U-turn after retirement
Hours after retiring, Ihsanullah decided to withdraw his decision and confirmed that he would be available for selection. He revealed that he was frustrated after not being picked by any franchise and made the decision emotionally.
“The franchises didn’t pick me and I was also frustrated with people’s comments. My friends and family were messing with me. I took the decision (to retire) after I got emotional, otherwise I wouldn’t have taken such a decision,” Ihsanullah told Geo Super.
The fast bowler has vowed to work hard and get stronger ahead of PSL 2025. He is aiming to be picked by a franchise and wants to perform well in the upcoming Pakistan Super League season.
“I will work hard. There are still four months left in the PSL. I hope that the people who did not choose me will choose me. I have no plans for retirement because I made that decision emotionally,” the 22-year-old added.
Breakthrough: 155km/h fast bowler Ihsanullah returns to retirement. He says he became emotional and did not withdraw from PSL. He retired within 24 hours 🇵🇰🤯🤯🤯pic.twitter.com/11AaIM6pSe
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 14, 2025
Why did Ihsanullah withdraw?
Ihsanullah was earlier not picked by any franchise in the PSL 2025 draft on January 13. After the big failure, he decided to retire from PSL but he intended to represent Pakistan by performing in domestic cricket.
“I just don’t want to play franchise cricket anymore. It’s over after today. I am completely boycotting it and withdrawing from PSL. I will not see myself in the PSL again. I want to represent Pakistan by performing in domestic cricket and not by playing in the PSL,” he announced.
At the time he announced his retirement, it was considered a major setback for Pakistan cricket. Pakistan were quick to claim that Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen did not contact him after an unfortunate elbow injury in 2023. Calling him selfish, the young fast bowler hopes to give the franchise owner the perfect answer.
Ihsanullah in PSL 2023
Ihsanullah had a successful year in PSL 2023 when he consistently hit the top speeds and became the main bowler of Multan Sultans. He took 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 15.77 and an economy rate of 7.59.
However, he suffered an elbow injury after the season which affected his availability for international cricket. He also played four T20Is and one ODI for Pakistan. In four T20Is, he picked up 6 wickets at an average of 18.
