Tamim Iqbal's Shocking Medical Emergency on the Field
The cricket world was shaken when Tamim Iqbal, a beloved icon of Bangladesh cricket, unexpectedly collapsed during play in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL). It wasn’t just a minor scare or routine injury—Tamim, only 36, suffered a full-blown heart attack while fielding for Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) in Savar on March 24, 2025.
Just a few overs into the first innings, Tamim signaled distress after feeling intense chest pain. Initial thoughts from teammates and fans in the stadium were that he might have tweaked a muscle or was dealing with some minor ailment. But as moments passed, his discomfort grew. He left the field, still grimacing, and was checked by the team’s medical staff right by the boundary.
In a matter of minutes, things took a turn for the worse. Tamim’s pain intensified, and when he tried to return to the field, his condition rapidly declined. Medical personnel responded immediately with emergency procedures, including CPR and defibrillation—moves typically reserved for life-and-death situations. The urgency on the ground was unmistakable, with anxious faces both among teammates and in the stands.
Emergency Hospitalization and a Nation Holds Its Breath
Realizing the severity, Tamim’s team rushed him by ambulance to KPJ Evercare Hospital in Dhaka—a facility known for its advanced cardiac care. A planned helicopter transfer was supposed to shave precious minutes off the trip, but it never materialized as doctors feared moving him any further would be too risky in his fragile state. Immediately after arrival, a team of cardiologists performed an emergency angioplasty, a procedure designed to clear a severely blocked artery. Angiography revealed the blockage, and doctors worked quickly to restore blood flow to Tamim’s heart. He was placed in the coronary care unit (CCU) for 48 tense hours.
Social media flooded with prayers and well-wishes from fans across the globe. Within the cricket community, the mood was understandably somber. Even rival players and former captains expressed their shock and support, many reminiscing about iconic moments when Tamim's aggressive batting lifted Bangladesh cricket to new heights.
The all-clear came four days later, when Tamim was discharged from the hospital. Medical professionals didn’t mince words in their advice: lifestyle changes weren’t just suggested, they were required. They advised Tamim to stay away from strenuous physical activity and scheduled a thorough review by a medical board in three to four months. Questions swirled about whether he would ever return to top-level cricket or if this was the final chapter in his decorated career.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) publicly thanked the doctors and staff for their rapid response, emphasizing just how precious Tamim is to the nation. Bangladesh, a country madly in love with cricket, held its collective breath not just for a cricketer, but for a sportsman who inspired millions.
- Medical emergency struck during live play, shocking fans and teammates alike
- Immediate CPR and advanced cardiac procedures saved Tamim’s life
- Doctors advised rest and major lifestyle adjustments, delaying any talk of a comeback
On April 12, just weeks after the incident, Tamim finally made a public appearance, looking visibly thinner but smiling. Fans and journalists speculated—not only about his health but the possibility of him ever stepping onto the pitch again. Right now, all eyes are on that upcoming medical review, with hope mingled with fear about what lies ahead for Bangladesh’s cricketing hero.
