PCB's Medical Chief Resigns Again Amid Controversies of Players' Injuries

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Dr Sohail Saleem, the head of the Medical Commission at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has resigned for the second time amidst a series of controversies surrounding the handling of player injuries and medical disclosures.

His most recent resignation comes after a troubled tenure that saw repeated criticisms over the medical treatment of players, including the mishandling of injuries for pacers such as Ihsanullah and Haris Rauf.

As reported by Cricket Pakistan, Dr. Saleem's latest resignation on Thursday follows intensifying scrutiny over the disclosure of players' medical reports and general medical practices within the PCB, particularly after the failed management of fast bowler Ihsanullah's elbow injury.

Initially reported to be misdiagnosed, the treatment led to a failed surgery that exacerbated his condition, sidelining him from crucial tournaments including the 50-over World Cup in India. As a result, Ihsanullah's PSL team, Multan Sultans, took on the financial burden for his treatment abroad, underscoring severe lapses in PCB's medical handling.

Initially, his injury was misdiagnosed, which led to ineffective treatment plans and a failed surgery that worsened his condition, preventing him from participating in crucial tournaments like the 50-over World Cup in India.

Multan Sultans, Ihsanullah's PSL team, has been financially supporting the bowler's treatment and recovery. The franchise has taken responsibility for his medical expenses, including the costs of treatment abroad. Ali Khan Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the PCB's handling of the situation, pointing out that it had not only affected Ihsanullah's career but also placed unnecessary financial burdens on the franchise.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and other board officials have come under fire for their handling of such medical issues. Naqvi has acknowledged the severity of the situation and suggested that there might be significant changes in the medical team's structure and processes.

This is not an isolated incident in Pakistan cricket. Earlier, senior pacer Haris Rauf had to turn to his franchise, Lahore Qalandars, for medical assistance after the PCB allegedly neglected his health concerns following his decision to prioritize his mental health over immediate national duties.

In his defense, Dr Sohail Saleem argued that the PCB's medical protocols were robust and suggested that the controversy surrounding Ihsanullah's treatment might stem from misunderstandings related to his diagnosis and the natural recovery timeframe for such injuries.

Dr. Saleem's resignation underscores the ongoing challenges and the critical need for reform within the PCB's medical management, highlighting the importance of reliable healthcare support for athletes in high-performance sports.