Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has been rushed to hospital and placed on life support in intensive care after suffering a heart attack during a match.
The 36-year-old underwent an emergency angioplasty after the incident, which occurred during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League game on Monday.
Doctors later issued an official medical bulletin confirming that Tamim had suffered a heart attack.
“He returned to us in a critical condition,” the bulletin stated. “We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage.”
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has been rushed to hospital and placed on life support in intensive care after suffering a heart attack during a match
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The former Essex star is currently under observation following the medical procedure.
The incident occurred during a match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club in Savar.
Tamim, who was captaining Mohammedan Sporting Club, complained about having chest pains after the coin toss.
He went out to field for just one over before leaving the pitch.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is in an intensive care unit after suffering heart attack during a domestic game.
Sending our best wishes to Tamim
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— England’s Barmy Army
(@TheBarmyArmy) March 24, 2025
The cricketer was immediately taken to the KPJ Specialised Hospital and Nursing Home.
Montu Dutta, the BKSP chief cricket coach, told reporters: “He was in good spirits during the toss. When he felt sick, he left the field and took his own car to the hospital.”
Tests at the hospital confirmed Tamim’s arteries had been blocked.
A statement released by BKSP, the national sports institute of Bangladesh, read on Monday: “A helicopter transfer was discussed with the team manager but he was taken to KPJ Hospital and Nursing College, where a block in his heart was found after tests.”
Tamim was set to be airlifted to another hospital for further treatment after consulting with medics.
However, he was unable to do so due to complications.
“The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation,” the medical bulletin continued.
“The swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Tamim was treated quickly.”
According to Dutta, “The doctors there did not want to let him leave at the time, but Tamim left anyway and was arranging an air ambulance himself.”
Tamim represented Bangladesh across 70 Test matches, 243 one-day internationals and 78 T20 internationals.
His international career spanned 16 years between 2007 and 2023.
The left-handed batsman had scored over 15,000 runs across all formats before his international retirement.
Tamim Iqbal: Cricket star is in intensive care after suffering a heart attack midway through a match
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He amassed an impressive 25 centuries during his distinguished career.
Tamim holds the distinction of being the only Bangladeshi to score a century against England at Lord’s.
His contributions to Bangladesh cricket established him as one of the nation’s most accomplished players.
The former Essex player’s health situation has shocked the cricket community both in Bangladesh and internationally.
