Key Points:
- Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, aged 36, suffered a massive heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match on March 24, 2025.
- He was rushed to Fazilatunnesa Hospital in Savar and is currently on life support following an angioplasty procedure.
- Tamim is one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, with over 15,000 international runs and centuries across all formats.
Dhaka: Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers, suffered a massive heart attack while playing for Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. The incident occurred during the first innings while Tamim was fielding at the BKSP ground in Savar. He complained of severe chest pain and discomfort, prompting immediate medical attention on the field.
Efforts were initially made to airlift him to Dhaka for advanced treatment, but his condition deteriorated en route to the helipad. He was rushed back to Fazilatunnesa Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a massive heart attack. An angioplasty procedure is being performed to place a stent in his heart and restore proper blood flow. Tamim remains under observation and on life support.
BCB Confirms Critical Condition
Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, chief physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), provided updates on Tamim’s condition, stating: “He underwent initial checks at a local hospital, where mild heart issues were suspected. However, his condition worsened rapidly, leading to a confirmed massive heart attack.” Several BCB officials have rushed to Savar to monitor the situation closely.
Tamim Iqbal’s Illustrious Career
Tamim Iqbal is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s finest cricketers. Over his 17-year international career from 2007 to 2023, he represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, amassing over 15,000 international runs—the highest by any Bangladeshi player. He remains the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score centuries across all three formats.
Career Highlights:
- ODI Runs: 8,357 at an average of 36.65 with 14 centuries.
- Test Runs: 5,134 at an average of 38.89 with 10 centuries.
- T20I Runs: 1,758 at an average of 24.08 with one century.
Tamim has been instrumental in many historic victories for Bangladesh and holds records such as scoring four consecutive half-centuries in the Asia Cup and being named one of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack’s Cricketers of the Year in 2011.
Recent Retirement from International Cricket
Tamim retired from international cricket earlier this year in January 2025 after a long-standing back injury and reflective decision-making about his future in the sport. Despite stepping away from international cricket, he continued playing domestic matches and had been performing well in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.
Shockwaves Across Cricket Fraternity
The news of Tamim’s heart attack has sent shockwaves across Bangladesh and the global cricket community. Fans and fellow players have taken to social media to express their concern and prayers for his recovery. The BCB canceled its scheduled board meeting for the day as several members visited him at the hospital.
Tamim Iqbal’s sudden health crisis has left fans and cricket enthusiasts deeply worried about one of Bangladesh’s greatest sports icons. As he battles for recovery on life support, prayers pour in from around the world for his speedy return to health. His legacy as a cricketer remains unmatched, and his contributions to Bangladeshi cricket continue to inspire generations.
