The cricket community received a startling jolt when former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match on March 24, 2025. The incident occurred while he was captaining the Mohammedan Sporting Club in a match against Shinepukur Cricket Club. Tamim, at just 36, experienced sharp chest pains following the toss, leading him to urgently leave the field to seek medical help.
Initially, plans were made to transport him via air ambulance due to the seriousness of his condition. However, things took a swift turn, and he required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right there on the ground. This rapid response was followed by his quick transfer to KPJ Specialised Hospital in Savar.
At the hospital, doctors discovered a blockage in the arteries, necessitating an emergency angioplasty. A stent was inserted to relieve the obstruction, bringing Tamim back to consciousness after the critical surgery. He was kept under careful observation in the coronary care unit (CCU), ensuring his condition stabilized before he was moved to KPJ Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Just a couple of days later, on March 26, Tamim was discharged, with his health showing encouraging signs of recovery.
This unexpected event led the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to cancel a pre-scheduled meeting, as their focus shifted entirely to the health of the beloved player. BCB president Faruque Ahmed, along with other officials, paid a visit to Tamim in the hospital. Teammates such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam also showed up, offering their support and solidarity during this challenging time.
Looking ahead, a medical board is tasked with reviewing Tamim's fitness in about three to four months. This evaluation will determine whether he can safely return to the cricket field. Considering Tamim's illustrious career, this decision carries significant weight. He still holds the title as Bangladesh’s highest ODI run-scorer with 8,357 runs and had retired from international cricket earlier this year after a temporary retirement break in 2023. He even recently led Fortune Barishal to a glittering victory in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and was performing remarkably in the ongoing DPL season with two centuries to his name.
Reflecting on his near-tragic ordeal, Tamim shared a heartfelt message on social media, thanking everyone for their prayers and recognizing the delicate nature of life. Meanwhile, the BCB lauded the medical team's swift actions that crucially aided in his recovery and reiterated their unwavering support for Tamim as he navigates this challenging phase of his career.
His career stats are a testament to his exceptional skills, boasting 5,134 Test runs, 1,758 T20I runs, and a commendable 25 international centuries. The cricket world waits with bated breath to see whether this cricket titan can make a comeback, armed with the resilience and spirit that marked his stellar career.