Tamim Iqbal's Brush With Death on the Cricket Field
You don’t expect your cricket hero to collapse during a match, but that’s exactly what happened with Tamim Iqbal on March 24. The stadium at BKSP ground in Savar was buzzing for the Dhaka Premier League clash between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club. Tamim, captaining Mohammedan and still riding high from scoring 368 runs in just seven outings, should have been at the top of his game. But soon after the coin toss, things went south. During Shinepukur’s innings, Tamim suddenly felt unwell and then collapsed, causing a wave of panic across the pitch and stands.
The situation was instantly serious. On-field medical specialists rushed in, performing CPR before using a defibrillator right there on the ground. Those tense minutes felt endless for teammates and fans until Tamim was stabilized enough to be airlifted straight to the KPJ Specialised Hospital. Recognizing the gravity, medics wasted no time: a quick transfer by helicopter, angioplasty surgery, and the insertion of a stent to clear a blocked artery followed at a Dhaka facility. By the time Tamim regained consciousness after surgery and moved to Evercare Hospital for ongoing care, the worst seemed to have passed.
Aftershock in Bangladesh Cricket and Life Beyond the Pitch
Cricket in Bangladesh stopped for a moment as news of the heart attack spread. Teammates, former players, and fans took to social media, expressing both fear and relief. Tamim, after retiring from international matches, had found new life in the DPL, averaging almost 74 with the bat. His sudden health scare was a stark reminder that even professional athletes are not invincible.
Doctors have announced that Tamim’s condition is stable after a critical 72-hour window. But it’s not all good news yet. They have put him on a strict regime, asking for lifestyle changes if he wants to avoid another life-threatening incident. In about 3-4 months, Tamim will be assessed by a medical board to determine if he’s fit for professional cricket. For a country where sports personalities often become celebrities, the idea of Tamim stepping away from the sport is tough to digest.
What makes this story hit even harder is that Tamim wasn’t a fading legend past his prime. Before the heart attack, he was smashing runs and leading his team with confidence. The DPL numbers—368 runs at an average over 70—are proof. Tamim was eager to carve out another chapter after his international retirement ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Now, much of his career hangs in the balance.
People inside the cricketing circle and fans alike are rallying behind him, not just for the stats he can bring to the board. It’s about seeing a beloved figure back on his feet and, hopefully, on the field once more. For now, Bangladesh waits to see how Tamim takes on this biggest challenge yet.