Dhaka: Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal had a major health scare on Monday during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Savar, near Dhaka.
The 36-year-old Tamim, one of Bangladesh’s top run-getters in international cricket, was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club when he suffered a massive heart attack and had to undergo emergency angioplasty at KPJ Specialised Hospital & Nursing Home.
According to the doctors, Tamim regained consciousness and spoken to a family member following the emergency surgery. He will be under observation in the coronary care unit (CCU) for at least 48 hours.
In the morning, Tamim complained of discomfort in his chest after being on field for just one over. He left the ground and went to the KPJ Hospital.
“He was in good spirits during the toss. When he felt sick, he left the field and went to the hospital. The doctors there did not want him to return to the ground, but Tamim left,” coach Montu Dutta told reporters at the ground later.
One of Tamim’s family members made arrangements for an air ambulance to take Tamim to Dhaka, but the opener’s condition had worsened by then. It was so serious that the team physio had to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him, reported Cricinfo.
Tamim was then rushed back to the KPJ Hospital as doctors at the ground felt that travelling by air ambulance would be too risky.
He was driven back to the hospital in critical condition, and tests revealed a blockage in his arteries.
An angioplasty was then performed
An hour after the surgery was completed, the hospital held a short press briefing where it confirmed that Tamim had come to the hospital twice on Monday, the second time having suffered a heart attack. Cardiologist Dr. Moniruzzaman Maruf performed Tamim’s surgery, the hospital said.
“He returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage. The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation. The swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Tamim was treated quickly,” said Dr Rajib Hasan, of the KPJ Hospital.
