In an extraordinary turn of events during a routine Dhaka Premier League match, Tamim Iqbal, former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, faced a life-threatening challenge on March 25, 2025. The 36-year-old cricketer from the Mohammedan Sporting Club was playing against Shinepukur Cricket Club when he experienced severe chest pain following the toss. The sudden collapse that ensued could have been tragic if not for the swift action of Yakub Chowdhury Dalim, the team's quick-thinking physiotherapist.
As Iqbal fell to the ground, Dalim's response was immediate, performing critical CPR that experts later confirmed was the key to Iqbal's survival. The batsman was urgently transported to KPJ Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where a team of doctors carried out an emergency angioplasty to address a blocked artery, thereby averting a potential disaster.
Once stabilized, Iqbal spent the next 72 hours in the intensive care unit under stringent medical supervision. The cricketer's case has sparked a broader conversation on the hidden heart risks plaguing athletes today. Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, often undiagnosed, can emerge due to the demands of high-intensity sports. Factors such as rigorous training, insufficient hydration, and hereditary vulnerabilities heighten these risks, even in those deemed fit and healthy.
Tamim's record-breaking career, boasting over 15,000 runs across various cricket formats, underscores his significance to the sport. His release from the hospital on March 28 was a relief to fans and family, though when or if he will return to the pitch is still a big question mark. The decision hinges on a comprehensive medical evaluation scheduled for three to four months down the line.
Following this brush with mortality, Iqbal took to Facebook to express his gratitude towards his physio, the medical team, and his supporters, describing the ordeal as a 'new life' experience. The heartfelt message echoes his appreciation for the quick medical intervention that saved him.
Medical professionals are now advocating more strongly than ever for regular cardiac screenings for athletes. The incident with Iqbal shines a spotlight on the critical importance of not dismissing symptoms like chest pain or dizziness, which can sometimes be precursors to more severe health issues. Such vigilance could very well be the difference between life and death for those in high-performance sports.