Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh cricketer, suffers heart attack during Dhaka Premier League match, now on life support

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack on Monday during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match. He was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a 50-over match against Shinepukur Cricket Club when he experienced chest pain in the first innings. According to ESPNcricinfo, he fielded for only one over before being rushed to a hospital. Local media described his condition as ‘critical’, saying he needed to be put on life support.

Air Ambulance Called

Match referee Debabrata Paul stated that an air ambulance was initially arranged for Tamim's transfer, but he could not be flown from the BKSP ground in Savar. "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 later taken to the Fazilatunnesa Hospital," Paul was quoted as saying.

Tamim Undergoes Angioplasty

Doctors at the hospital later issued a medical bulletin confirming the severity of the situation. "He returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage. The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation," the bulletin read. The swift coordination between the medical teams at BKSP and the hospital ensured that Tamim received timely treatment.

BCB cancels meeting, officials visit hospital

Following the incident, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) canceled a scheduled board meeting. BCB president Faruque Ahmed and other officials visited the hospital to check on Tamim's condition.

Tamim’s career highlights

Tamim had announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time in January 2024. He had previously announced retirement in July 2023 but reversed his decision within 24 hours after an intervention from then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 36-year-old last played for Bangladesh in 2023. Over his career, he featured in 70 Tests, scoring 5,134 runs, and played 243 ODIs, accumulating 8,357 runs. He also scored 1,758 runs in 78 T20Is.