Tamim Iqbal’s cricket career over after heart surgery? Fresh health update arrives

Former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal suffered a shocking heart attack during the Dhaka Premier League match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) ground no. 3.

The opener was urgently admitted to the KPJ Specialised Hospital and his condition was deemed to be critical. However, Tamim Iqbal regained his consciousness and even responded to the physicians' calls.

The legendary batter also spoke to his family members which was a piece of good news for his fans. The Bangladesh cricket fans were relieved to see their favorite opening batter out of danger.

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Latest update on Tamim Iqbal revealed

According to Bangladesh's local newspaper Prothom Alo, Tamim Iqbal looked in better shape when he woke up the next morning. The news was confirmed by a physician who is doing the treatment of Tamim at KPJ Specialised Hospital.

The physician also confirmed that Tamim has been trying to walk at the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU). The former Bangladesh skipper was also taken to a cabin where he could speak to his relatives. He was then taken to the ICU again for further treatment.

An official of Mohammedan Sporting Club, the team which was being led by Tamim in this game, also confirmed that the batter is in better condition now and was talking to his family members.

"He is now better. He talked to his family members and also walked briefly at the hospital," club official Tariqul Islam said.

According to the medical director of the hospital Razeeb Hasan, Tamim was in critical condition upon his arrival at the hospital, and surgery was needed to be done to insert stents to stop the artery blockage.

What happened to Tamim Iqbal?

Tamim took part in the toss as the captain of Mohammedan Sporting Club in their match against Shinepukur on March 24 (Monday). However, he left the field soon midway when his team was fielding while complaining of chest pain.

He was given first aid on the ground and immediately taken to the nearby KPJ Specialised Hospital. There was an attempt to take him to the national capital Dhaka for further treatment through air ambulance. But his deteriorating condition prevented the officials from taking that risk.

Later, the block was detected in his heart at the KPJ Specialised Hospital and the physicians had to place a stent to remove it. Tamim Iqbal's fans had gathered outside the hospital to show their solidarity behind their favorite player and they remained there for the whole day.

Tamim Iqbal's incredible records

Tamim celebrated his 36th birthday just five days ago. He played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is for Bangladesh and is easily one of the most influential cricketers to have represented the country.

He is the second-highest overall run-scorer for Bangladesh and the highest in the ODI format. His last international game was way back in September 2023 against New Zealand.

There were speculations over his return to the national side for the Champions Trophy. However, the opener declined all those claims by stating that he didn't want to distract his team before a big ICC tournament.