Exclusive: Ebadot Hossain Back in Bangladesh Squad After Five Knee Surgeries and 16 Months Out

Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain is set to return to international cricket after more than two years, as he has been included in the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Ebadot last played for Bangladesh during a home series against Afghanistan in 2023. 

He suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in that series which side-lined him from competitive cricket for 16 months.

The right-arm quick returned to the field through the National Cricket League (NCL), the country's traditional first-class competition, before showing promising signs of form in the most recent edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country’s only franchise-based T20 tournament.

‘IT WAS QUITE CHALLENGING’

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Ebadot described his recovery as one of the toughest phases of his life, although he always remained confident of returning.

“I had surgeries on five different spots of my knee. Usually, a fast bowler suffers from a meniscus or ACL injury, but I needed five surgeries in my knee. The recovery process was long and difficult. I don't want to remember the tiresome rehab days,” Ebadot told SportsBoom.com. 

“Alhamdulillah, I have overcome those steps, though the experience was not enjoyable at all. It is tough to stay out of cricket for two long years. Alhamdulillah, I have come back.”

“I am not a person to give up. I had that challenge, and I knew that I am not the first person to come back from injuries. I always had in my mind that I will see the end of it. Some may need 12 months to recover, but as I had a big surgery, I needed 16 months. It is tough not to play, but I never had the mindset to give up,” he added.

“My doctor also said to me that it would be a long process, and my comeback depends on my rehab process. So I knew that I would make a comeback, but it would take lesser time if it were a minor surgery. I never had the mindset to give up.”

‘IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REMOVE DOUBTS FROM MY MIND’

Ebadot admitted that his initial return to bowling was mentally daunting, especially with concerns about re-injury, but gradually he found his rhythm and confidence.

“When I returned to bowling in October-November, I felt some problems in my knee. During NCL, my knee felt weak and I was afraid of injuries. I had some discomfort to give my full effort. But now, especially since BPL, I have no problem and fear,” said Ebadot.

“I can bowl in full rhythm. The way Nathan (Kelly) trained me in India, the program he designed for me increased my strength in the knee and removed the fear from my head. Now I don't feel that I had surgery on my knee. Look, I can still dream of playing because of the BCB management.”

He also praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for their proactive support throughout his recovery.

“After my injury, BCB management didn't delay my treatment. I was injured during the ODI series against Afghanistan in 2023. Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha wanted me in the Asia Cup squad, but my knee didn't permit as the swelling was increasing day by day. The BCB president and management didn't delay them as they sent me to London quickly and the surgery took place the next day.”

“Fahim Sir (Nazmul Abedin, BCB cricket operations chairman) called me and said that they had the belief that I would make a comeback. He added that they knew about my work ethics as I have always been a disciplined boy. Actually, the cricket board should be given credit as well for my recovery, otherwise it would be longer,” Ebadot said.

‘IT'S NICE TO HAVE COMPETITION IN THE PACE UNIT’

Looking ahead, Ebadot is not just focused on his individual return but is also relishing the competition brewing within Bangladesh’s fast bowling unit.

“I have been saying for a long time that there has been a healthy competition among the fast bowlers since 2022. It is definitely a good sign for the team. I think this healthy competition should be in every department of the team, so that everyone improves their skill,” he said.

“Our fast bowlers have improved a lot, and they have so little difference between them that you can start any of them in any format. As a part of the fast bowling department, I want this competition to continue in the national team, 'A' team, HP team and other teams. I feel very good overall.”