Shock on the Field: Tamim Iqbal's Sudden Collapse
Cricket fans witnessed a horrifying moment at the BKSP ground on March 23, 2025. Tamim Iqbal, the celebrated former Bangladesh captain, fell seriously ill just after the match toss between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club. Reports from the ground say Tamim signaled distress early in the Shinepukur innings—moments later, he collapsed, prompting a frantic rush by teammates and medics.
The urgency was unmistakable. Medical staff sprinted onto the field, performing CPR in front of shocked players and fans. With Tamim's condition critical, on-site doctors used a defibrillator in hopes of reviving his heart—a rare and chilling scene in professional cricket. By then, the mood in the stadium had turned from sporting excitement to collective dread.
Authorities made a quick decision: Airlift Tamim to KPJ Specialised Hospital in Savar. In the helicopter, a team of specialists prepared for emergency surgery. Doctors performed angioplasty and inserted a stent to clear a blocked artery, all within hours of the on-field crisis. His medical team at KPJ Specialised Hospital later called these first few hours “life-saving.”
Uncertainty and Recovery: What’s Next for the Cricket Star?
After surgery, Tamim’s condition stabilized, and he was transferred to Dhaka's Evercare Hospital for further observation and recovery. Cardiologists from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) closely monitored his progress. The good news: early post-surgery tests showed his heart function had returned to normal. But doctors warned it’s not yet time for celebration. Any top-level athlete faces risks after such a major health event, let alone a player of Tamim's stature and age.
Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, director of the NICVD, told Bangladesh media that while there were "no visible issues" after initial treatment, the worry isn’t over. There’s always a risk of recurrence. Tamim was discharged March 28, four days after the incident, but the medical team has ordered strict rest and follow-up tests. His heart function needs to be monitored over months, not weeks.
The big question on everyone’s mind: Will Tamim Iqbal return to cricket? Doctors and family members are keeping expectations realistic. A team of cardiac experts will reassess him in three to four months, weighing in on his potential to withstand the physical demands of cricket.
- He’ll need to pass a series of cardiovascular fitness evaluations.
- Specialists will watch for any heart rhythm issues or recurring blockages.
- If all goes well, Tamim could consider a gradual return—though no one can give guarantees yet.
The Bangladesh cricket community—teammates, rivals, and fans—has flooded social media with messages of support. Many felt genuine alarm seeing a star athlete, known for fitness and resilience, struck down so suddenly. Experts say the incident highlights the importance of heart screenings, even for elite athletes.
For now, Tamim’s story remains unfinished. The cricket world watches and hopes his journey has more runs, not just in the record books, but back on the pitch as well.
