In a shocking incident that sent ripples through the cricket community, Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh captain, suffered a heart attack while playing in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) on March 24, 2025. The 36-year-old cricketer, known for his explosive batting style, experienced severe chest pain during a match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club. This medical emergency at the BKSP ground in Savar required immediate intervention.
Initially, Tamim was taken to KPJ Specialized Hospital for an ECG, which showed concerning irregularities. Despite his attempts to continue playing, the pain proved too severe, and he was rushed back to the hospital where tests confirmed a heart attack. Emergency angioplasty was performed at KPJ Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to insert a stent, which helped restore blood flow. He spent time in the ICU before being moved to Fazilatunnesa Hospital for further recovery.
After a tense 48-to-72-hour critical period, Tamim's condition stabilized and he was discharged on March 28, though his health scare has left his future in cricket unresolved. A medical board will review his situation in a few months to determine whether he can return to the game.
Before this incident, Tamim had been in phenomenal form in the DPL, amassing 368 runs in just seven matches and scoring two centuries. Known for his powerful presence at the crease, he holds the record for the most international centuries for Bangladesh with 14 in ODIs and 10 in Tests, exceeding 15,000 runs across cricket formats.
This health issue is a significant hurdle for Tamim, who briefly retired from international cricket earlier in 2025 but continued to dominate the domestic scene. The Bangladesh Cricket Board, reflecting the gravity of the situation, postponed an upcoming meeting, while board officials visited Tamim to express their support and concern.
Medical experts have highlighted the importance of lifestyle adjustments to aid Tamim's recovery and prevent future incidents. Fans, deeply invested in his journey, have flooded social media with messages of support. Tamim took to Facebook to thank his supporters and the dedicated medical team that treated him.
This health scare has cast a shadow over Tamim Iqbal's illustrious cricket career, raising questions about his capability to return to professional sports. As he embarks on this challenging recovery journey, the cricket world watches anxiously, hopeful for his return to form but mindful of his health and well-being.
