In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's cricket icon, Tamim Iqbal, who recently retired from international play, suffered a heart attack while participating in a domestic match for the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. On March 24, 2025, while steering his team, Mohammedan Sporting Club, in a contest against Shinepukur Cricket Club, Tamim experienced acute chest discomfort during the first innings, leading to an immediate medical evacuation to KPJ Specialised Hospital located in Savar.
At the hospital, doctors swiftly conducted an emergency angioplasty to address the blocked artery that was threatening his life, placing stents to ensure proper blood flow. Thankfully, after the surgery, Tamim regained consciousness and was even seen walking briefly, with the medical staff keeping a vigilant watch over his progress. Following four days of critical care, he was discharged on March 28, with a plan for continuous medical follow-up to prevent any further complications.
In the wake of Tamim's health scare, the international cricket community has showered him with support and well-wishes. Noteworthy mentions include India's cricket darling, Yuvraj Singh, who, through a heartfelt tweet, reminded Tamim of the numerous adversities he has overcome. Yuvraj expressed, “You’ve faced tough opponents before and come out stronger, this will be no different. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
This incident coincided with a bittersweet moment, as it overshadowed Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s 38th birthday. Shakib, expressing heartfelt concern for his teammate, articulated how the day was tinged with anxiety for Tamim's well-being.
Tamim Iqbal remains a towering figure in Bangladesh cricket history. With an impressive record of over 391 matches played for Bangladesh, he boasts an incredible tally exceeding 15,000 runs across all international formats. He is also celebrated for having scored centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Despite stepping back from international cricket in January 2025, Tamim continues to make significant contributions to domestic leagues, recently leading Fortune Barishal to a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) triumph and racking up two centuries this season in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has halted various meetings to focus on extending full support towards Tamim's recovery journey. During his hospital stay, fellow teammates such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Mehidy Hasan paid him visits, offering moral support and solidarity during these challenging times.
