Ex-Bangladesh captain Tamim in hospital after cardiac arrest

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is “under close observation” in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during a domestic T20 game in Dhaka.

The 36-year-old opener, who represented Bangladesh 391 times between 2007 and 2023, was playing for Mohammedan Sporting Club on Monday.

Tamim, Bangladesh’s record run-scorer in one-day internationals, complained of chest pains after taking to the field in their Dhaka Premier League fixture against Shinepukur.

Plans to transport him in a helicopter were abandoned as his condition deteriorated and he was instead taken for immediate treatment at a closer facility, the KPJ Specialized Hospital.

“Tamim Iqbal Khan suffered a cardiac arrest this morning at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP),” read a statement by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Tamim received “immediate emergency medical treatment” and underwent a “successful angiogram procedure to address a blockage in one of the arteries of his heart”.

“He is currently under close observation at the hospital’s coronary care unit,” the statement added.

Tamim became only the second Bangladeshi to play county cricket in England with Nottinghamshire in 2011, and also had a spell with Essex in 2017.

He is the only Bangladeshi batter to score centuries in all three international formats.

“We are very thankful to all the medics and specialists for their swift actions in this critical situation,” said BCB president Faruque Ahmed.

“The outpouring of concern for Tamim reflects how much he is loved and appreciated by the nation.”

Tamim Iqbal is one of the most celebrated cricketers in Bangladesh. Known for his aggressive batting style and consistency at the top of the order, Tamim has been a key figure in Bangladesh’s cricket team for over a decade. As an opening batsman, he has broken numerous records, both in Bangladesh and on the international stage. Tamim’s contributions to Bangladeshi cricket have made him one of the country’s most prominent sports figures. This article provides an overview of his career, achievements, and legacy.

Tamim Iqbal’s Career Overview:

Full Name: Tamim Iqbal Khan
Date of Birth: March 20, 1989
Place of Birth: Chittagong, Bangladesh
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium (occasionally)
Role: Opening batsman

Early Life and Domestic Career:

Tamim Iqbal was born into a cricketing family in Chittagong, Bangladesh. His father, Iqbal Khan, was a former cricketer, and Tamim’s older brother, Nafees Iqbal, also played international cricket for Bangladesh.

Tamim’s talent was evident early on, and he made a name for himself in domestic cricket. He played for Chittagong Division and performed consistently well, which led to his inclusion in the national team at a young age.

International Debut:

ODI Debut: January 26, 2007, against Zimbabwe.
Test Debut: May 26, 2007, against West Indies.
T20I Debut: February 15, 2007, against Kenya.

Tamim Iqbal quickly rose to prominence due to his fearless and aggressive style of batting. He became known for his ability to play big innings, particularly in one-day internationals (ODIs) and Tests, where his contributions were pivotal for Bangladesh.

Career Highlights:

ODI Career: Tamim is one of Bangladesh’s most prolific ODI batsmen. As of 2025, he is one of the highest run-scorers in ODIs for Bangladesh, having scored over 8000 runs with several centuries and fifties to his name. He has a reputation for being an aggressive opener, setting the tone for the rest of the batting order. Notable achievements:
- First Bangladeshi to score a century in the World Cup: Tamim Iqbal scored a memorable century in the 2015 ICC World Cup, making history as the first Bangladeshi player to score a World Cup century.
- Consistently scores big against major teams like India, Australia, and South Africa.
Test Career: Tamim Iqbal is also a stalwart in Test cricket, where he has been Bangladesh’s mainstay in the opening slot. His ability to build innings and score in tough conditions has earned him respect in the longer format.
- He has scored several centuries in Test cricket and has been part of some historic Test wins for Bangladesh, including the team’s famous victory against Sri Lanka in 2013.
- In addition, he holds the record for the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batsman in Tests, with a score of 205 against Zimbabwe in 2020.
T20I Career: While Tamim Iqbal has been more focused on ODIs and Tests, he has also had a solid presence in T20 internationals. Though not as dominant in the shortest format, Tamim has still made important contributions, often providing steady starts at the top of the order.

Records and Achievements:

Most Runs for Bangladesh in World Cups: Tamim has consistently performed in the ICC World Cup tournaments, and his World Cup tally is among the highest for Bangladesh.
Centuries in ODIs: He has more than 10 centuries in ODIs, making him one of the leading century-makers for Bangladesh.
Consistency in ODIs: He holds the record for the most runs for Bangladesh in ODIs in various seasons.
Fastest Bangladeshi to reach 1000, 2000, and 3000 runs in ODIs.

Leadership Role:

Tamim Iqbal has served as the captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team, leading the side in several series and tournaments. Although he has faced challenges, his leadership has been recognized for his calm demeanor and understanding of the game. He has been a key player in encouraging the younger players and elevating Bangladesh’s cricketing standards.

Retirement and Future:

As of recent years, Tamim Iqbal has taken breaks from T20 internationals, focusing more on Tests and ODIs. His leadership in the squad, alongside his batting contributions, will likely be vital for Bangladesh cricket in the coming years.

Tamim continues to play an important role in developing the future of Bangladeshi cricket, especially as the country looks to make greater strides in world cricket.

Personal Life:

Tamim is known for his calm and humble nature off the field. He married Ayesha Siddiqa in 2013, and the couple has children. His down-to-earth persona and family values have made him a beloved figure in Bangladesh, both on and off the field.

Legacy:

Tamim Iqbal is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced. His aggressive style, consistency, and leadership have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers in Bangladesh and beyond. His contributions to Bangladeshi cricket will be remembered for generations to come, and his place in the history of the sport is well-secured.

You said:

injury detail

ChatGPT said:

Tamim Iqbal, like many professional cricketers, has faced several injuries throughout his career that have impacted his playing time. Here’s a detailed overview of some of the significant injuries he has dealt with:

1. Injury in 2018:**

Type: Finger Injury
Details: During the 2018 Bangladesh tour of South Africa, Tamim Iqbal suffered a fracture to his left index finger while fielding. This injury occurred during a match against South Africa, and it was serious enough to rule him out of action for some time.
Impact: Tamim missed several matches during this series and also had to recover before returning to full fitness. Despite the injury, he made a strong recovery and returned to action later in the year.

2. Injury in 2019:**

Type: Back Injury
Details: In 2019, during the ICC Cricket World Cup in England, Tamim Iqbal sustained a back injury which caused him discomfort. The injury affected his mobility, but he continued to play in the tournament despite the pain.
Impact: Though he managed to play through the injury, Tamim’s performance was slightly affected by the discomfort, and he wasn’t at his best during the tournament. Afterward, he underwent medical assessments to address the issue.

3. Injury in 2020:**

Type: Knee Injury
Details: In early 2020, Tamim Iqbal faced a knee injury while playing domestic cricket in Bangladesh. This injury caused him to miss a few crucial matches, including a few important ODI series.
Impact: The injury caused him to miss out on several games and forced him to take some time off from international cricket to fully recover.

4. Injury in 2021:**

Type: Rib Injury
Details: In 2021, Tamim Iqbal sustained a rib injury during the Bangladesh tour of New Zealand. This injury occurred during the T20I series in New Zealand, and it kept him out of the T20I matches. However, he recovered and returned for the ODIs.
Impact: The injury was relatively minor but still caused him to miss a few games in the short format.

5. Injury in 2022:**

Type: Knee Surgery and Fitness Issues
Details: In 2022, Tamim underwent surgery on his knee to repair an old injury. This surgery was expected to be a significant step in fixing recurring knee issues that had plagued him over the years.
Impact: The surgery kept him out of action for a few months, and he missed a significant portion of Bangladesh’s cricket calendar in 2022, including some important tours and series. After recovery, he gradually returned to the team.

6. Recent Injury in 2023 (During the Afghanistan series):**

Type: Hamstring Injury
Details: During the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI series in 2023, Tamim Iqbal experienced a hamstring injury that caused him to miss a few matches. This injury was considered minor but required him to rest and recover fully.
Impact: While it wasn’t a long-term issue, it caused him to miss out on key matches, and Bangladesh had to adjust their lineup without him in the playing XI for a short while.

Injury Management and Recovery:

Throughout his career, Tamim Iqbal has consistently managed his injuries with rest, rehabilitation, and medical treatment. The Bangladesh team’s medical staff has always been proactive in ensuring he recovers properly, especially given his crucial role in the team. He has always focused on regaining full fitness before returning to international cricket.

Impact on Career:

While Tamim’s injuries have occasionally sidelined him, they have not greatly hindered his career in the long run. He has shown remarkable resilience in returning to form after setbacks and remains one of Bangladesh’s most valuable players.

Despite these injuries, Tamim Iqbal has been a key player for Bangladesh, and his fitness is continually monitored by the team’s medical staff to prevent long-term damage. His leadership and role in the squad are vital for Bangladesh, and he remains a critical asset for the team.

Get smarter responses, upload files and images, and more.

Reason