Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal suffers heart attack while playing

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal underwent angioplasty on Monday after suffering a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Dhaka. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the incident occurred during the first innings of the 50-over clash between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club, when the 36-year-old experienced chest pain.

Tamim, who was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club, fielded for just one over before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Match referee Debabrata Paul revealed that initial arrangements were made to transport Tamim by helicopter from the BKSP ground in Savar, but he was eventually taken by road to Fazilatunnesa Hospital.

“He returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack. An angiogram and angioplasty were performed to remove the blockage. The procedure went smoothly, and he is currently under observation,” read the medical bulletin issued by the hospital.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cancelled a scheduled board meeting after the news broke. BCB president Faruque Ahmed, along with other board members, is at the hospital monitoring Tamim’s condition.

Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers, had announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time in January this year. He had previously retired in July 2023 but reversed his decision within 24 hours following an intervention by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

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Iqbal last played for the national team in 2023. In his illustrious career, he has scored 5,134 runs in 70 Tests, 8,357 runs in 243 ODIs, and 1,758 runs in 78 T20Is.