Fast bowler Ihsanullah refuses to play cricket after dispute with teenager

Fast bowler Ihsanullah has stepped away from cricket citing personal issues, including a reported dispute with a teenage friend named Abdullah. The decision has sparked concern among fans, who have described his emotional reaction as unusual and called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to intervene and provide him with professional support.

In a recent interview with journalist Sanaullah, Ihsanullah openly admitted that he is unwilling to return to the sport unless his young friend forgives him.

With tears in his eyes, the pacer expressed how deeply the situation has affected him, saying that he would only resume playing once Abdullah ends the rift and agrees to reconcile.

“You may have seen a boy with me named Abdullah. I consider him my brother, he's like a friend to me. I'm crying because of him; he hasn't returned to play cricket. He was also undergoing rehab along with my cousin, Imran Khan Yousafzai. Both of them were with me in Swat. If I ever return to cricket, it will be because of them. I would even announce that on TV,” Ihsanullah said in the interview.

The emotional nature of his remarks has raised alarm among fans, many of whom are urging PCB and Peshawar Zalmi to step in and arrange a thorough psychological evaluation and counseling for the pacer.

Check: Ihsanullah announces retirement from PSL 10 after being overlooked in Draft

Journalist Sanaullah reported that Ihsanullah's father had allegedly scolded Abdullah, which upset him and led to his absence from cricket training at the academy.

Ihsanullah ka cricket mai dil laga rahe isi liye zalmi k big fan @Im_MaazKhan nai Ihsanullah cricket academy join krne ka faisla kiya hai… pic.twitter.com/O0UHzSjUtS

— Usama Zafar (@Usama7) July 1, 2025

Sports journalist Sanaullah also revealed that he is facing family-related stress, particularly regarding his wish to marry someone of his choice, a decision reportedly not supported by his family.

These personal struggles, combined with other emotional challenges, appear to be weighing heavily on his mental health.

 "He’s extremely sensitive and tends to form deep emotional attachments," the journalist noted. "His current breakdown over a dispute with a teenage friend highlights the urgent need for mental health support."

Following the interview and the speculation that followed, Ihsanullah clarified that he was emotionally attached to Abdullah like a brother and that they share family ties.

- Ihsanullah’s latest video statement about the recent controversy https://t.co/NXBvjZkZ9l pic.twitter.com/8ldnTe1Agf

— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) July 6, 2025

Once hailed as one of Pakistan’s fastest bowlers, Ihsanullah consistently bowled over 150 km/h and made headlines in PSL 2023 for delivering the fastest spell in league history while playing for Multan Sultans. That year, he was crowned both Player of the Tournament and Bowler of the Tournament.

He made his international debut the same year, but a severe elbow injury during a home series against New Zealand derailed his momentum. The injury required surgery, leading to an extended absence from the field. His comeback was marred by controversy surrounding his medical treatment, including accusations of mismanagement and a botched procedure, which further complicated his recovery.

In 2025, he joined Peshawar Zalmi, but was not selected to play in any matches during PSL 10, leaving his fans disappointed and concerned about his future in cricket.