Bangladesh hit hard as Mohammad Saifuddin pulls out of Pakistan tour due to shocking reasons

Bangladesh pace bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has requested a two-month break from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) due to mental health struggles. Saifuddin has been battling with depression and has withdrawn from the Bangladesh 'A' team's tour of Pakistan.

The star all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin’s decision comes as a blow to Bangladesh, as he was set to play in the second four-day match and the subsequent one-day series against Pakistan 'A' before the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Mohammad Saifuddin requests a two-month break amid mental health struggles and injury woes

The 27-year-old made this request after being selected for the Bangladesh A team. Saifuddin’s absence from the Global T20 Canada, where he was signed by the Montreal Tigers, has compounded his distress. He couldn’t participate in the Global T20 Canada, as he was unable to obtain a visa due to the political turmoil in Bangladesh.

He was due to play for the Montreal Tigers in the league. Saifuddin communicated his decision through an email sent to the selectors earlier this month. In his message, he expressed his frustration over being excluded from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad and his inability to participate in the ongoing Global T20 Canada 2024 league.

A BCB selection panel member was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “He sent me an email on July 30, after the A team was announced, expressing his mental distress over missing the Global T20 and the last World Cup. He requested not to be considered for any form of cricket for the next two months and to view his letter positively. I replied 'noted' and mentioned we need to talk when he returns to Dhaka to understand what he's going through.”

Meanwhile, the BCB has confirmed that Saifuddin suffered a rib injury on July 26 during a gym session in Mirpur shortly before his planned travel to Canada for the T20 league, due to which the board didn’t allow the all-rounder to participate in the tournament.

Saifuddin hurt his rib just before his flight to Canada: BCB physiotherapist

BCB physiotherapist Muzadded Sany reported that Saifuddin experienced persistent pain after his gym session, leading to consultations with the BCB medical team. Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, the chief physician, assessed the injury and provided treatment, stressing that the injury could be exacerbated by the long flight.

The BCB medical committee official said: “Saifuddin hurt his rib and came to us just before his flight. After assessing him, we found it too risky for him to travel for 20–22 hours with that kind of pain. He came to BCB a day before his scheduled flight on July 24 after pulling a chest muscle while working out. Despite primary treatment, his pain persisted, leading to our decision not to allow him to participate in the Global T20.”

The withdrawal has frustrated selectors, as Saifuddin had earlier missed several practice sessions for the Bangladesh Tigers in Sylhet and Chattogram last month. The timing of his withdrawal, due to the current fitness and mental health concerns, has raised significant challenges for the Bangladesh 'A' team’s preparations for the Pakistan tour.

The four-day matches are scheduled to start on August 13, while the three one-day games will take place on August 26.