Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was rushed to a hospital with chest pain during a Dhaka Premier League Division Cricket League match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club.
Initially, a helicopter was arranged for Tamim’s movement to the hospital, but he could not be flown from the BKSP ground in Savar. He was then later taken to Fazilatunnesa Hospital after the incident occured in the first innings of the 50-overs-a-side contest.
“He underwent initial checks at a local hospital, where mild heart issues were suspected. Efforts were made to transport him to Dhaka, but on the way to the helipad, he experienced severe chest pain and had to be rushed back.”
“Medical reports later confirmed it was a massive heart attack,” said Dr Debashish Chowdhury, chief physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
“It is a difficult time for all of us. He is currently under observation, and the medical team is doing everything possible for his recovery,” Chowdhury added.
Tamim Iqbal who made his international retirement on January 11, 2025, has played 243 ODIs, 70 tests, and 78 T20Is. He scored 15,000 runs across all formats and has 25 centuries to his name.
“In the first blood test, there was a problem. He said he was feeling uncomfortable and wanted to go back to Dhaka. An ambulance was called in and when he was returning to the field from the hospital, he felt a pain in his chest again.”
“He was then brought to the hospital for the second time and it seemed he had a massive heart attack. Now he is under observation at Fazilatunnesa Hospital,” the report stated.
It is understood that Tamim is undergoing an operation and a stent will be placed in his heart.
Tamim who announced his retirement initially before the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, has reversed his decision a day later, but eventually missed the tournament due to a back injury.
The 35-year old played for Bangladesh in their 2-0 ODI series defeat at home against New Zealand in September 2023.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over,” he had written in a post on social media.
“I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus,” said Tamim Iqbal during his retirement.
