During the post-match handshakes, Alex Hales made a facial expression that Tamim Iqbal found offensive. This seemingly minor gesture quickly escalated into a heated exchange of words between the two players.
Although the game had ended, the tension lingered on the field. The Rangpur Riders were celebrating their thrilling victory, while Fortune Barishal was drowning in disappointment. As the handshakes between the two teams continued, the TV cameras suddenly captured Tamim looking visibly angry, almost charging at someone. Rangpur Riders’ team director Shanian Tanim was seen pulling him away.
The incident wasn’t fully captured on camera, and Tamim wasn’t asked about it during the presentation ceremony. Neither team’s representatives gave a clear account of the incident during the press conference. However, later investigations revealed that Tamim was reacting to Rangpur’s English batter Alex Hales.
According to Tamim’s elder brother and Barishal’s batting coach, former cricketer Nafees Iqbal, it seemed like someone from Rangpur might have said something to provoke Tamim.
“I’m not entirely sure because it wasn’t discussed. But yes, he was visibly upset. Usually, after losing a match—especially one like this—emotions tend to carry over. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious. I think something must have been said (from the other side), which triggered his reaction. But I believe it’s not a big issue,” said Nafees.
TV footage showed Rangpur’s captain and match hero Nurul Hasan Sohan standing close to Tamim during the altercation. However, Sohan avoided addressing the matter during the press conference.
“I didn’t see it up close. I noticed it after coming this way. Maybe I’ll understand what happened when I get back, but I wasn’t there,” said Sohan.
Incidents like these are usually kept under wraps, and both players refrained from making any public statements. However, sources from the Barishal camp indicated that Tamim’s frustration stemmed from his handshake with Hales. During the exchange, Hales apparently made a facial expression that Tamim found disrespectful.
Tamim reportedly confronted Hales, saying, “If you have something to say, say it to my face. Be a man! Why are you making faces?” Hales responded, and Tamim fired back, leading to the verbal spat.
Despite the tension, neither Tamim nor Hales was summoned to the match referee’s room.
The match itself had been a nail-biter. Rangpur needed 26 runs in the final over, and Kyle Mayers was obliterated by Nurul Hasan Sohan, who hit three fours and three sixes to secure an unbelievable win for his side.
Tamim, however, wasn’t on the field during the final moments. He had left the ground after injuring himself while attempting a catch in the penultimate over.
