Pakistan's chief medical officer resigns amid criticism over mishandling Ihsanullah's injury

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chief medical officer resigned after mishandling fast bowler Ihsanullah's injury. Dr. Sohail Saleem's resignation came after the submission of a detailed report on Ihsanullah's right elbow injury by an independent three-member Medical Committee to the PCB.

Dr. Saleem resigned after the PCB released the report on the Ihsanullah injury. This marked the end of his second stint as the PCB's chief medical officer. He initially resigned in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic but was later brought back to the board in 2023 under Najam Sethi's leadership.

Ihsanullah suffered an elbow injury during Pakistan's white-ball series against New Zealand in April 2023. The pacer remained out of action for almost a year, despite initial assessments indicating a less severe injury. He traveled to Manchester, England, for treatment for his elbow injury last month.

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For nearly a year after his injury in April, little information was available about Ihsanullah's condition. Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen revealed on Twitter last month that the team funded his recovery expenses. They also arranged for Ihsanullah to visit England for an assessment by a renowned surgeon.

Surgery May Be The Last Option - Report

The independent three-member Medical Committee, including Professor Rana Dilawaiz Nadeem, Dr. Mumraiz Naqshband, and Professor Javed Akram, investigated the handling of Ihsanullah's injury. The report highlighted significant medical failure within the PCB, especially in treating injured fast bowlers.

“Ihsanullah should continue with aggressive physiotherapy and rehabilitation of right elbow and shoulder. Surgery may be the last option if he does not recover in six to 12 months,” said the report.

Ihsanullah’s Condition Of Right Elbow Pain Was Not Addressed

The committee's report emphasized delays in diagnosing Ihsanullah's injury and inappropriate treatment. It stated that his right elbow pain wasn't adequately addressed. Ihsanullah's surgery was hastily planned without specialist review, and he didn't receive proper rehabilitation as required.

"The committee concludes that Ihsanullah’s condition of right elbow pain was not addressed, treated, and operated appropriately. There was a delay in reaching the clinical diagnoses and investigations. He did not receive a formal rehabilitation process as required by his condition,” the report said.

"His surgery was planned hurriedly without any specialist review and preoperative assessment."

"The surgeon recommended by the Director of Medical and Sports Sciences was inappropriate, lacking the academics and experience in the field."

“Postoperatively, Mr Ihsanullah was not fully compliant to the rehabilitation protocols as alleged by the PCB officials. He continues to have medial elbow pain along with shoulder dyskinesia. He has significant elbow stiffness for which surgery is not advised currently as per the advice of national and international appropriate experts in the specialty shoulder and elbow."

Ihsanullah showed promise in last year's Pakistan Super League. The young bowler's standout performances led to opportunities to play for Pakistan in T20 and ODI matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand. He has represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is, taking six wickets across formats.

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