SAVAR, Bangladesh — In an alarming incident during a Twenty20 cricket match on Monday, former captain of Bangladesh’s men’s cricket team, Tamim Iqbal, experienced a cardiac arrest and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. The 36-year-old was actively fielding for his team, Mohammedan, against Shinepukur in the prized Dhaka Premier Division when he started experiencing chest pains.
As per reports, Tamim’s condition quickly deteriorated, prompting the Mohammedan team physiotherapist to administer CPR on the field. Subsequently, he was urgently transported to KPJ Hospital where he underwent immediate medical attention.
In a formal announcement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board disclosed that an angiogram was successfully performed to rectify a blockage found in one of his heart arteries. At present, Tamim is being closely monitored in the hospital’s coronary care unit as part of his ongoing treatment.
He has been visited by several of his Mohammedan teammates, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam, who came to provide support during his recovery process.
Tamim Iqbal holds a distinguished position in Bangladesh’s cricket history as the only player to achieve centuries across all three international formats. Over a span of 15 years, he has amassed more than 5,000 test runs, highlighted by 10 centuries and a standout top score of 206 made against Pakistan in 2015.
Renowned for his exceptional shots, particularly his mastery of the offside and his classic straight drive, Tamim gained widespread attention with a second-innings 103 against England at Lord’s in 2010, and a determined 108 in a subsequent match in Manchester. His ability to adapt and strategize effectively also allowed him to perform well in partnerships with the lower batting order.
Tamim’s contribution to one-day internationals is equally impressive, having accumulated over 8,000 runs, featuring 14 centuries, with his best score being 158. Additionally, he boasts one T20 century to his name. Notably, in late 2023, Tamim opted out of participating in the ODI World Cup following a disagreement with a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.