Tamim Iqbal’s Sudden Collapse Shocks Cricket Community
The air at the BKSP-3 ground in Savar was thick with anticipation as the Dhaka Premier League match got underway on March 24, 2025. No one could have predicted the drama that would unfold. Tamim Iqbal, a household name and former Bangladesh captain, looked as relaxed and upbeat as ever minutes before the toss. Then, as the match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club began, everything changed in an instant.
Early in the match, while out on the field for Mohammedan, Tamim suddenly doubled over in pain clutching his chest. Teammates and fans alike struggled to comprehend what was happening. Was it exhaustion, dehydration, or something much more serious? Panic set in quickly as it became clear this was no routine injury.
Frantic Response and Emergency Measures
The response was as rapid as it was intense. On-field medical staff sprinted to Tamim’s side. Trained professionals from the Mohammedan team immediately started emergency procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Every second counted. Organizers had arranged a helicopter to airlift Tamim to a hospital, recognizing the severity of heart-related emergencies. But as his condition took a downward turn, the risk of flying outweighed the benefit.
Instead, paramedics quickly loaded Tamim into an ambulance and sped toward KPJ Specialised Hospital, previously known as Fazilatunnesa Hospital. The journey felt interminable for those in the vehicle, as team physios continued to administer CPR hoping to keep him stabilized until proper medical care could be given.
The hospital team acted without delay. Doctors performed an emergency angioplasty after diagnosing a heart attack. Angioplasty involves clearing blocked arteries, and the decision to operate immediately likely made all the difference. Reports from the hospital say Tamim regained consciousness soon after the procedure, but doctors are keeping him under 48 hours of close observation in the coronary care unit.
Back at the stadium, the gravity of the situation hit hard. Umpires suspended the match and players gathered by the boundary, shaken and anxious for good news. For many, Tamim isn’t just a player, but a mentor and face of Bangladesh cricket. His sudden collapse reminded everyone how much stress top-level athletes endure.
On social media, support poured in from fans, teammates, and even rivals. Everyone wanted the same thing: for Tamim to pull through. It’s rare to see such unity, but health scares like this cut through competitive lines.
This incident also brings to light the hidden health risks athletes can face, no matter how fit they look on the outside. Tamim had shown no obvious sign of distress before the match, making his heart attack all the more alarming to those around him. The quick thinking of the physios and the hospital’s fast surgical response underscore the importance of preparedness in sports events.
As Tamim recovers, the cricket world collectively holds its breath, hoping to see him back on his feet soon. For now, the league, and the country, wait, sending waves of support to one of their brightest stars.