Bangladesh cricket team all-rounder Mohammed Saifuddin has decided to take a two-month break from cricket to focus on his mental wellness. Saifuddin was ruled out of the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the last moment due to an injury, which has significantly impacted his mental health.
The 27-year-old informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of his decision via email, citing mental distress from missing the global T20 event and the previous World Cup. Saifuddin specifically requested not to be considered for any form of cricket during this period to address his depression.
‘He requested not to be considered for any form of cricket’ – BCB Official
This request comes after Saifuddin was selected for the Bangladesh A squad for a four-day game and a three-match one-day series against Pakistan. He was also contracted with the Montreal Tigers for the Global T20 League but failed to obtain his visa on time due to political tensions in the country, further exacerbating his distress.
“He sent me an email on July 30, after the A team was announced, expressing his mental distress over missing the Global T20 and the last World Cup. He requested not to be considered for any form of cricket for the next two months and to view his letter positively. I replied ‘noted’ and mentioned we need to talk when he returns to Dhaka to understand what he’s going through,” a BCB official told Cricbuzz.
The board’s medical committee also highlighted that Saifuddin’s chest muscle injury was a key factor in his non-participation in the Global T20.
“Saifuddin hurt his rib and came to us just before his flight. After assessing him, we found it too risky for him to travel for 20-22 hours with that kind of pain. He came to BCB a day before his scheduled flight on July 24 after pulling a chest muscle while working out. Despite primary treatment, his pain persisted, leading to our decision to not allow him to participate in the Global T20,” a medical committee official stated.
Team Bangladesh is currently preparing for a two-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning on August 21.
