The cricketing community has come together in support of Bangladesh’s former captain Tamim Iqbal, who suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match in Savar on Monday morning.
Tamim, who was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in their match against Shinepukur Cricket Club at the BKSP grounds, complained of chest pain shortly after the toss.
He was initially treated at the venue before being taken to KPJ Specialized Hospital nearby, where doctors detected a blockage in his heart and inserted a stent. He is currently under observation in the hospital’s cardiac care unit (CCU).
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Dr Razeeb Hasan, director of KPJ Hospital, told reporters that Tamim was brought in a critical condition.
“He had a heart attack. We conducted an angiogram, angioplasty, and successfully placed a stent. The procedure went smoothly, and the blockage has been cleared. But his critical condition has not fully passed,” Dr Hasan said.
Tamim is currently under 48-hour observation. Club officials said he briefly regained consciousness and was able to speak with his family members.
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As the news of his illness spread, messages of support flooded social media from fans, fellow cricketers, and cricket organisations around the world.
Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders wrote: “Get well soon, Tamim Iqbal. The entire cricket fraternity is praying for you.”
Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga shared, “Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery, Tamim! Keep fighting like you always have on the field.”
Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza posted, “May Allah be with you, Tamim. InshAllah, you will return to us soon, healthy and strong.”
National teammates also expressed their concern. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed urged everyone to keep Tamim in their prayers, saying, “He fell seriously ill during a match and is currently on life support. May Allah grant him a quick recovery,” Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz echoed the sentiment.
Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan also requested fans to remember Tamim in their prayers.
Earlier in the day, Tamim led his team at the toss, appearing in good health. His sudden illness has shocked the cricketing community. Several top officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), including president Faruque Ahmed, visited him at the hospital.
The BCB also postponed its scheduled board meeting in light of Tamim’s condition.
Tamim Iqbal, 36, is one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers and the country’s highest run-scorer in ODIs.