Tamim Iqbal Calls Himself “Lucky” After Surviving Cardiac Arrest

Key points

Tamim required urgent medical attention during a domestic T20 match
He is Bangladesh’s all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs
Tamim is expected to stay in hospital for another 48 to 72 hours

ISLAMABAD: Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has expressed his gratitude to doctors for their “incredible” care after making his first social media post since suffering a cardiac arrest.

According to BBC Sport, the 36-year-old required urgent medical attention during a domestic T20 match in Dhaka and is currently recovering in hospital.

Tamim, Bangladesh’s all-time leading run-scorer in one-day internationals, experienced chest pains after taking to the field for Mohammedan Sporting Club in their Dhaka Premier League match against Shinepukur on Monday.

Plans to transport him by helicopter were scrapped as his condition worsened, and he was instead rushed to a nearby hospital, KPJ Specialised Hospital, for emergency treatment.

Treating arteries’ blockage

Tamim is expected to stay in hospital for another 48 to 72 hours for observation, having undergone an angioplasty to treat a blockage in his arteries.

“The heartbeat is what keeps us alive, but it can stop without warning – we often forget this. Did I know what was going to happen to me when I started the day yesterday?” Tamim said.

“I have returned by the infinite mercy of Allah and everyone’s prayers. I am fortunate to have had incredible people by my side during this crisis, whose tireless efforts helped me overcome this situation.

“Some events serve as a reminder of reality, how fleeting life truly is. Please pray for me and my family. I, Tamim Iqbal, am nothing without your love.”