Tamim Iqbal well being replace: Former Bangladesh captain, 36, breaks his silence after he was positioned on life assist following a coronary heart assault

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a heart attack during a domestic T20 match in Dhaka on Monday.

The 36-year-old opener was rushed to hospital and placed on life support following the incident – in which he also underwent an emergency angioplasty to relieve a blockage of the arteries. 

Tamim, who represented Bangladesh 391 times across all formats between 2007 and 2023 – scoring 15,249‬ runs, complained of chest pains after taking to the field for Mohammedan Sporting Club in their Dhaka Premier League fixture against Shinepukur.

He is set to remain in hospital for another 48 to 72 hours for observation but has taken to social media to update everyone concerned.

‘The heartbeat is what keeps us alive, but this can cease without any announcement – we repeatedly forget this. Did I know what was going to happen to me when I started the day yesterday?’ Tamim wrote on his Facebook external page.

‘I have returned with the infinite mercy of Allah and everyone’s prayers. I’m lucky, I had some amazing people by my side during this crisis, with whose tireless efforts I’ve overcome this crisis.

Ex-Bangladesh star Tamim Iqbal was rushed to hospital and placed on life support on Monday

Iqbal, pictured playing for Bangladesh in 2019, underwent an emergency angioplasty after suffering a heart attack during a domestic match in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League

The 36-year-old has since released a positive update about his condition on social media

‘Some events remind us of reality, how short life really is. Everyone pray for me and my family. I, Tamim Iqbal, am nothing without your love.’

Recounting the incident, 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.’

Providing a positive update on his health on Tuesday, club official Tariqul Islam said: ‘He is now better. He talked to his family members and also walked briefly at the hospital.’

Meanwhile, Mohammedan’s physiotherapist Enamul Haque added: ‘We had to go to hospital quickly to save his life, and luckily we did that.’

Enamul also revealed that Tamim was forced to undergo surgery for implant stents in order to clear his blocked arteries.

News of Tamim’s heart attack led to a slew of cricketers posting messages of support on social media.

Long-time team-mate Shakib Al Hasan, who turned 38 on Monday, said: ‘Please pray that my brother Tamim recovers quickly and returns to the game!’

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh also posted on social media: ‘You’ve faced tough opponents before and come out stronger, this will be no different. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong.’ 

Tamim, pictured above after scoring a century at the Oval, represented Bangladesh across 70 Test matches, 243 one-day internationals and 78 T20 internationals between 2007 and 2023

In the aftermath of the incident on Monday, 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. 

‘The doctors there did not want to let him leave at the time, but Tamim left anyway and was arranging an air ambulance himself.’ 

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 began. ‘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 swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Tamim was treated quickly.’

The former Bangladesh captain pictured alongside ex-England skipper Jos Buttler in 2023

A statement from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, who cancelled a scheduled meeting on Monday as a result, read: ‘Tamim Iqbal Khan suffered a cardiac arrest this morning at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP).

‘Tamim received immediate emergency medical treatment after being transferred to the nearby KPJ Specialized Hospital, where he underwent a successful angiogram procedure to address a blockage in one of the arteries of his heart. He is currently under close observation at the hospital’s coronary care unit.’

BCB president Faruque Ahmed said: ‘We are very thankful to all the medics and specialists for their swift actions in this critical situation. The outpouring of concern for Tamim reflects how much he is loved and appreciated by the nation.

‘The BCB is closely monitoring his health and continues to remain in contact with the hospital’s medical team. The board is committed to providing every support and assistance to ensure Tamim’s swift recovery.’