A Day That Shook Bangladesh Cricket: Tamim Iqbal
It was supposed to be just another day on the field for Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh cricket captain and one of the country’s most beloved sporting icons. On March 24, 2025, during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) ground in Savar, the 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club. The toss had gone smoothly, and Tamim, ever the professional, took his place on the field. But within moments, everything changed. Chest pain struck, sharp and unrelenting, and what followed was a frantic rush to save his life—a moment that left Bangladesh cricket reeling.
I’ve followed Tamim’s career for years, from his fearless centuries to his quiet leadership. He’s the kind of player who makes you believe in the game’s heart—gritty, passionate, human. So when the news broke that Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack mid-game, it hit me like a punch to the gut. This wasn’t just a headline; it was personal. For fans like me, for his teammates, and for a nation that’s cheered him through 15,000 international runs, it was a reminder of how fragile even our heroes can be.
The Incident: A Sudden Collapse
The match had barely begun—just one over into Shinepukur’s innings—when Tamim Iqbal signaled discomfort. He’d been in fine form this DPL season, racking up 368 runs in seven games, including two centuries. At the toss, he’d seemed his usual self, all focus and calm, as BKSP coach Montu Dutta later recalled. But as he fielded, something felt off. Chest pain crept in, subtle at first, then overwhelming. He left the field, heading to his car for a quick check at the nearby KPJ Specialised Hospital (formerly Fazilatunnesa Hospital). Initial tests hinted at a mild issue—an ECG, a blood test showing irregularities—but Tamim, perhaps driven by instinct or duty, wanted to return to Dhaka.
That’s when it escalated. On his way to a helipad for an airlift arranged by a family member, the pain surged again, fiercer this time. The Mohammedan team physio performed CPR right there on the ground—a desperate, heroic act as Tamim’s condition worsened. Plans for the helicopter were scrapped; he couldn’t be moved that way. Instead, he was rushed back to KPJ, where doctors confirmed the unthinkable: Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack—a massive one. A blockage in his artery had turned a routine day into a life-or-death struggle.
The Fight for Survival
In the hospital, time was the enemy. Cardiologist Dr. Moniruzzaman Maruf and the KPJ team sprang into action, performing an emergency angiogram and angioplasty to clear the blockage. “He returned to us in critical condition,” Dr. Rajib Hasan told reporters later that day. “We can call it a heart attack, and the procedure went smoothly.” A stent was placed, and slowly, Tamim began to stabilize. By late afternoon, he’d regained consciousness, even speaking briefly to a family member—a flicker of hope amid the chaos.
I can only imagine the scene: Tamim Iqbal’s wife, Ayesha Siddiqui, and brother, Nafis Iqbal, racing to Savar, their hearts pounding as hard as the doctors’ efforts. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) canceled its board meeting, with president Faruque Ahmed and others rushing to his bedside. “He’s slightly better now,” Ahmed told Sportstar, his relief palpable. “He’s not on life support, and our doctors are taking optimum care.” For a man who’s carried a nation’s hopes, the nation now held its breath for him.
A Cricketer’s Life in Perspective
Tamim Iqbal no stranger to pressure—he’s faced it on the pitch for nearly two decades. With 25 international centuries, the most by any Bangladeshi, and a career that spanned 391 matches from 2007 to 2023, he’s a legend in every sense. Just months ago, in January 2025, he’d retired from international cricket for good, closing a chapter that included leading Fortune Barishal to a Bangladesh Premier League title. At 36, he was still in his prime domestically, smashing runs with the same flair that made him a household name.
But this? This was different. As I scrolled through X, the outpouring was raw—fans praying, teammates stunned, even Yuvraj Singh chiming in with support. “Shocking,” one user wrote. “God bless Tamim Bhai,” another pleaded. It’s the kind of moment that strips away the stats and trophies, leaving just a man—a husband, a father, a brother—fighting to breathe. I thought of my own scares, those late-night worries about loved ones, and it made me ache for his family, waiting by that hospital bed.
The Road Ahead
As of tonight, March 24, 2025, Tamim’s in the coronary care unit (CCU) at KPJ, under observation for at least 48 hours. His vital signs are improving, Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, BCB’s chief physician, confirmed. “His overall health should get better in the next 24 hours,” he said, a cautious optimism in his tone. The angioplasty worked, the other arteries look healthy, and Tamim’s awake—small victories that feel massive right now.
But questions linger. What caused this in a fit, 36-year-old athlete? Was it stress, an unseen condition, or just cruel chance? And what does it mean for his career? He’d stepped away from the international grind, but the DPL was his stage—could this be the end? I hope not. I want to see him back, bat in hand, that steely gaze fixed on the bowler. Yet more than that, I want him well—for his kids, for his wife, for himself.
A Wake-Up Call for Cricket
This isn’t just Tamim Iqbal’s story—it’s a jolt for Bangladesh cricket and beyond. The sport’s relentless—travel, training, the weight of expectation—and we rarely stop to think about the toll. Posts on X called it a “nightmare,” a reminder that even legends aren’t invincible. For me, it’s a nudge to cherish every cover drive, every cheer, because you never know when the game pauses.
The cricket world’s rallying now, from Dhaka to the diaspora. The Chief Advisor’s Office, the Ministry of Youth & Sports—they’re all in touch, a testament to Tamim’s reach. He’s not just a player; he’s a symbol—of resilience, of Bangladesh’s rise. And today, he’s a fighter in a different arena.
Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack, and it’s shaken us all—how are you holding up after this news? Drop your thoughts below—share a memory of his best knock or just send some love his way. Let’s keep the prayers going for his recovery, spread this story to keep the cricket community connected, and check back for updates. Tamim will remain in the coronary care unit (CCU) for the next 48 hours as doctors will monitor his recovery from the heart surgery. What’s next for Tamim Iqbal —retirement or a comeback? Let’s talk it out!
