Bangladesh’s star opener Tamim Iqbal is currently under observation in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) after undergoing a heart stenting procedure. According to doctors, the next 48 hours are critical.
The sudden incident left the cricketing community shocked when Tamim fell ill while preparing for a match. The incident happened on Monday before the start of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP’s ground no. 3 in Savar. Although Tamim did the toss, he couldn’t take the field due to sudden chest pain.
He was immediately rushed to the nearby KPJ Specialized Hospital & Nursing College, where an angiogram revealed a blockage in his heart. A stent was promptly placed to resolve the issue. However, hospital authorities have confirmed that the risk is not entirely over yet.
Initially, DPL match referee Debbrata Pal, who was present at the hospital, confirmed that Tamim was moved to the CCU.
“On the way from the ground, Tamim was given CPR continuously for 20 minutes. The angiogram revealed a 100% blockage in one artery, and a ring (stent) was placed immediately. He is relatively better than he was in the morning, but he will remain in the CCU under observation for 24 hours.”
Dr. Rajib Hasan, the hospital’s medical director, later gave a detailed briefing to the press, adding that concerns over Tamim’s condition still remain.
“Tamim Iqbal bhai fell ill around 9:30 in the morning. He was brought here in that condition, and we started treatment. At one point, we thought of transferring him to Dhaka, but it wasn’t possible for several reasons. His condition became critical, so we did everything necessary right here.”
“By the grace of Allah, his condition is now stable. He had a heart attack, so we performed an angiogram, angioplasty, and placed a stent. Alhamdulillah, the stenting was done smoothly and efficiently by Dr. Moniruzzaman Maruf. The blockage is now completely gone. As we mentioned earlier, his condition was critical, but after the stenting, he is under observation. The critical phase isn’t fully over yet; it will take some time. We are doing our best.”
After the stenting procedure, Tamim’s condition has improved slightly. He has regained consciousness and is now talking to his doctors and family members.
BCB director Mahbub Anam shared the update after coming out of the CCU. Former national captain and Tamim’s uncle Akram Khan was also present at the hospital.
For now, Tamim will remain under observation for 48 hours. Doctors have stressed the importance of this period for his recovery.
The shocking turn of events unfolded just before Monday’s DPL match against Shinepukur Cricket Club. While Tamim led Mohammedan Sporting Club for the toss, he couldn’t take the field after experiencing sudden chest pain.
He was quickly admitted to KPJ Specialized Hospital near BKSP. The angiogram revealed a blockage in his heart, which led to the immediate placement of a stent.
For now, the cricketing world is holding its breath, hoping for a full recovery for Bangladesh’s all-time greatest opener.
