- Ex-Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal had a heart attack during a domestic game
- He complained about chest pains after the toss and left the field after one over
- It was caused by a blockage in his arteries and he was placed on life support
Tamim Iqbal’s cricket team have provided an update on the former Bangladesh captain’s health after he rushed to hospital and placed on life support following a heart attack during a match.
Tamim, 36, underwent an emergency angioplasty after the incident, which occurred during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League game between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club in Savar on Monday.
The former Essex star complained about having chest pains after the coin toss and went out to field for just one over before leaving the pitch.
Tamim, who was captaining Mohammedan Sporting Club during the game, was immediately taken to the KPJ Specialised Hospital and Nursing Home to see doctors.
The 36-year-old was set to be airlifted to another hospital for further treatment after consulting with the medics, but was unable to do so due to complications. Tests at the original 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.’
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
His cricket club have now provided an update on the former Bangladesh captain’s condition
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.’
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.’
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
The former Bangladesh captain pictured alongside ex-England skipper Jos Buttler in 2023
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.’
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.’