Tamim Iqbal health update: Ex-Bangladesh skipper undergoes angioplasty after heart attack during league match

Tamim Iqbal suffered a massive heart attack while leading the Mohammedan Sporting Club in a 50-over-a-side match against Shinepukur Cricket Club, and was rushed to the hospital

bangladesh-tamim-iqbal (File) Tamim Iqbal

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal underwent angioplasty after suffering a massive heart attack during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Dhaka. The 36-year-old is currently in observation.

Iqbal, who was leading the Mohammedan Sporting Club in a 50-over-a-side match against Shinepukur Cricket Club, fielded for only one over, before he left the ground because of a chest pain, and drove himself to the KPJ Specialised Hospital and Nursing Home. He returned to the stadium after the consultation.

"Initially, a helicopter was arranged for Tamim's movement to the hospital, but he could not be flown from the BKSP ground in Savar. He was later taken back to the KPJ Specialised Hospital and Nursing Home (formerly Fazilatunnesa Hospital)," ESPNCricinfo quoted match referee Debabrata Paul as saying.

An angiogram revealed a blockage, following which the angioplasty was done. β€œHe (Tamim Iqbal) returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage. The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation. The swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Iqbal was treated quickly,” the hospital said in its bulletin.

BCB president Faruque Ahmed is at the hospital, along with other members. His Bangladesh teammates Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, too, reportedly, visited him at the hospital.

Iqbal, who is the first Bangladeshi batter to cross 8,000 runs in ODIs, initially retired from international cricket in July 2023. However, he reversed his decision following a request from then Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He again announced his retirement in January this year.

Iqbal played 70 Tests, scoring 5,134 runs at an average of 38.89. He amassed 8,357 runs in 243 ODIs. He also scored 1,758 runs in 78 T20Is.

Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp