Heart-Stopping Moment on the Cricket Field
No one watching the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) on March 24, 2025, expected to witness one of Bangladesh’s cricket icons, Tamim Iqbal, suddenly fighting for his life. The 36-year-old was captaining Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan in Savar. What started as a typical day quickly spiraled when Tamim complained of chest pain before the match, only to become so unwell during Shinepukur's innings that he had to leave the ground.
Medical staff didn't take chances. Tamim received immediate first aid before a helicopter airlifted him to Savar’s Fazilatunnesa Hospital. The world-class medical team there jumped into action, performing CPR and using a defibrillator when his situation escalated. An angiogram revealed a blocked artery — a clear sign of a major heart attack. Within hours, doctors inserted a stent to restore blood flow, then sent Tamim to Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital for further care. By March 28, after an angioplasty, he was discharged. But the memory of those tense hours won’t fade fast for fans or teammates.
Tough Recovery Road Ahead for Tamim Iqbal
Tamim’s health scare came just months after he shocked the cricket world by retiring from international play for the second time, right before the 2025 Champions Trophy. He wanted to focus on domestic matches and had been in outstanding form, racking up 368 runs in just seven games this DPL season — averaging a remarkable 73.60 and striking at a rate of 102.50. For a batter known for his confidence and resilience, being forced off the field like this hits hard.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) provided hourly updates and later thanked hospital staff for their speedy intervention. BCB President Faruque Ahmed promised that the board would give Tamim all the support he needs to recover. Doctors, meanwhile, cautioned that Tamim must focus on lifestyle changes to protect his health. Whether this means giving up professional cricket for good is still up in the air. Medical experts are usually strict when it comes to high-performance athletes with heart issues, so fans must wait and see if Tamim can return to the pitch — or if his recent run in the DPL was his swan song.
Bangladesh’s sports community is still in shock. Teammates, rivals, and supporters alike have posted tributes, urging him to prioritize his well-being. While Tamim’s next move remains uncertain, one thing everyone agrees on is the way quick thinking and modern medicine quite literally saved the day. For now, Tamim Iqbal faces his toughest opponent yet: recovery and the road to a healthier future.