Shocking Moment: Tamim Iqbal Collapses Mid-Match
The cricket world held its breath on March 24, 2025, as Tamim Iqbal—one of Bangladesh’s most beloved cricketers—collapsed during a Dhaka Premier League match. Tamim, now 36, was representing Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur when he suddenly felt intense chest pain after a leap in the field. What started as an ordinary league fixture turned into a situation where seconds spelled the difference between life and death.
Witnesses describe a tense atmosphere as players and match officials noticed Tamim clutching his chest and struggling for breath. Within moments, panic shifted to urgent action. Trainer Yakub Chowdhury Dalim rushed to Tamim’s side and wasted no time, immediately performing CPR as teammates and fans looked on, stunned.
Rushed to Hospital, Saved by Medical Response
The emergency response did not end on the field. Medics transported Tamim to KPJ Specialized Hospital and, as his condition stabilized just enough for the move, transferred him again—this time to the critical care at Fazilatunnesa Hospital. Doctors discovered a blocked artery and got to work, performing an emergency angioplasty to restore blood flow to his heart.
For four days, Tamim was monitored in the coronary care unit. The nation followed updates anxiously, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) kept fans informed. The news of his more stable condition brought a collective sigh of relief, but the reality was sobering: one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricket heroes had suffered a heart attack right before their eyes.
When Tamim was finally discharged on March 28, gratitude layered every word of his message to supporters. He didn’t hold back, singling out trainer Dalim’s quick response for saving his life. CPR administered on the spot gave Tamim a fighting chance before hospital procedures took over. He also thanked the medical teams that acted fast at every stage, matching the gravity of the situation with steady hands and quick decisions.
The BCB publicly recognized how serious the incident was, noting the outpouring of concern not just from home fans, but from cricket lovers across the globe. The sense of relief was mixed with appreciation for the preparedness and quick thinking of everyone involved, from sidelines all the way to the emergency room.
Tamim Iqbal’s brush with death is a stark reminder that even top athletes aren’t invincible. After a cricketing career that saw him suit up for Bangladesh almost 400 times—retiring from Test cricket back in 2020—he now joins a different kind of elite group: sportspeople given a second chance, thanks to split-second life-saving action both on and off the field.
