A three-member Medical Committee, consisting of Prof. Rana Dilawaiz Nadeem, Dr. Mumraiz Naqshband, and Prof. Javed Akram, was assigned to review fast bowler Ihsanullah’s elbow injury. On Thursday, the committee submitted its report to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The committee examined all the relevant medical reports, including MRI and ultrasound scans. They interviewed people from the PCB Medical and Sports Sciences Department, consulted with Ihsanullah, and sought advice from experts like Prof. Adam Watts, Mr. Javed Mughal, and Dr. Mohammad Waseem.
Based on their findings, the committee recommended that Ihsanullah should focus on intense physiotherapy and shoulder rehabilitation. Surgery should be considered only if he doesn’t improve within six to 12 months.
Additionally, the committee found issues with how Ihsanullah’s injury was diagnosed and treated. They reported delays in diagnosis, incorrect treatment recommendations, and non-compliance with the rehabilitation plan by the player. The committee’s report noted that Ihsanullah’s surgery was rushed without proper review or preoperative assessments. The surgeon who performed the surgery lacked the necessary expertise, and after the operation, Ihsanullah did not follow the rehab protocols properly. He still experiences elbow and shoulder pain, which has led to significant stiffness. As a result, surgery isn’t advised at the moment.
The committee suggested that Ihsanullah be assessed again upon returning to Pakistan to create a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. This plan should involve multiple disciplines and consider additional treatments like hydrodilation to help Ihsanullah get back on track with his cricket career.
The committee also reviewed the cases of other players, including Arshad Iqbal, Zeeshan Zameer, and women’s cricketer Shawal Zulfikar. They recommended a two-month rehabilitation program for Arshad Iqbal, a specialist foot and ankle exam for Zeeshan Zameer, and a CT scan of Shawal Zulfikar’s right shoulder before deciding on further treatment.
In a related event, Dr. Sohail Saleem, the Director of Medical and Sports Sciences at the PCB, resigned, and his resignation was accepted by the board.
