Pakistan fast bowling sensation Ihsanullah on Tuesday, January 14 announced retirement from Pakistan’s premium T20 league, Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 22-year-old, who finished as the highest wicket-taker in PSL 2023, confirmed his decision after going unsold in the PSL 2025 draft.
Ihsanullah made his PSL debut in 2022 for Multan Sultans. The 22-year-old pacer took 23 wickets in 14 games, averaging 16 and at an economy of 7.55. Thereafter, in 2024, Ihsanullah picked up 18 wickets, most in the season. The young Pakistan pacer went on to make his international debut after impressive stint against Afghanistan in 2023. He has since then played five international matches, including four T20Is and one ODI.
I completely boycott it and retire from the PSL: Ihsanullah
The 22-year-old who rose to fame after bowling over 130 kmph took no takers in season 10 of PSL. "I've decided to completely boycott and retire from the PSL. I don't want to play franchise cricket anymore. My goal is now to represent Pakistan without relying on PSL exposure," he told Public News. "I've been overlooked despite my past performances. Not a single franchise contacted me. If you perform, these franchises should come after you. But no one reached out to me," Ihsanullah remarked.
The pacer, renowned for his blistering speed, vowed to prove his detractors wron, adding that they will come behind him now. "My goal is to make them chase after me. I'll bowl at a pace of 150-160 km/h. For those who doubted me as a 130-135 km/h bowler, I'll show them that I'm stronger than before. In a month and a half, I'll look even better than the bowler who played in HBL PSL 8 before getting injured," he continued.
Despite an impressive performance for Pakistan, Ihsanullah’s international career was cut short due to an elbow injury. Moreover, his recovery wasn’t smooth as he made his comeback in competitive cricket in Champions T20 Cup, where he picked two wickets in four matches.