Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin takes two-month break from all cricket citing depression

Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has opted for a two-month break from all cricket, citing depression, as reported by Cricbuzz. The 27-year-old has reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about the same after missing the Global T20 League and T20 World Cup 2024.

The seam-bowling all-rounder submitted his request, having been selected in the Bangladesh A squad to face Pakistan Shaheens in the second four-day game and the subsequent three 50-over games. Saifuddin was contracted with the Montreal Tigers in the Global T20 League but failed to get his visa on time due to the political conflict in Bangladesh.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, a BCB official informed that the all-rounder felt distressed over not playing in the Global T20 League and the T20 World Cup. However, the official revealed that the Chittagong-born cricketer wanted them to take his message positively.

"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," the official said.

The board had approved the youngster's NOC for Global T20 until August 8, given that the A team to Pakistan was scheduled to travel on August 11. As per the official, he wanted the NOC till August 12.

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"Saifuddin hurt his rib" - BCB Medical Committee official

Mohammad Saifuddin celebrates a wicket. (Credits: T20 World Cup Twitter)

A board's medical committee official also informed that the right-arm seamer's chest muscle injury before the Global T20 was also a factor in his non-particiation. He stated (via Cricbuzz):

"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."

Bangladesh are currently gearing up for the two-Test series against Pakistan, beginning on August 21.