Tamim’s condition now stable after heart attack, one stent placed in coronary artery

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has been hospitalised after he suffered two heart attacks during a match at BKSP grounds in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka.

Upon arriving at the KPJ Specialised Hospital in Gazipur's Kashimpur, doctors conducted a series of tests including an angiogram, which detected a blockage in Tamim's heart that caused two heart attacks since the morning, Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) Chief Medical Officer Dr Debashish Chowdhury told reporters this afternoon (24 March).

"As an emergency measure, a stent was inserted to restore blood flow. Tamim's condition is now stable, but he will remain under medical supervision for the coming days while he is recovering," said Dr Debashish.

Earlier, citing doctors, BKSP Public Relations Officer (PRO) Md Ashrafuzzaman had confirmed to The Business Standard that Tamim suffered a heart attack and is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Meanwhile, a statement posted on Tamim's verified Facebook page, by one of the admins, at 1:48pm today also confirmed the developments.

The statement said Tamim is currently recuperating under close observation of doctors in the hospital's Coronary Care Unit (CCU).

Briefing reporters at around 2pm, KPJ Specialised Hospital's Medical Director Dr Razeeb Hassan said, "Tamim Iqbal fell ill at around 9:30am today and was immediately brought in for treatment. Initially, we considered transferring him to Dhaka, but due to various reasons, it was not possible. His condition worsened after he left, and he was brought back in a critical condition."

The necessary medical procedures, including an angiogram, angioplasty, and the placement of a stent, were immediately carried out and his condition has stabilised, said the physician.

"The stenting procedure went smoothly and efficiently. The blockage has now been cleared. While his condition has improved, he remains under observation. He is still in a critical state and it will take some time for him to fully recover," said Dr Razeeb.

"We are monitoring him closely and doing everything we can to ensure his smooth recovery," he added.

The hospital's PRO Abul Hasan told TBS that the national cricketer was brought to the hospital at around 11:50am.

BKSP sources said that members of Tamim's family are at the hospital.

Ashrafuzzaman also said a medical board has been formed to treat Tamim. "There are also plans to shift him to Dhaka. If transferred to Dhaka, he is likely to be taken to Evercare Hospital."

The left-handed opener had participated in the toss this morning and was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club on the field against Shinepukur Cricket Club during the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) match at BKSP's Ground No 3 when he suddenly started experiencing chest pain.

Ashrafuzzaman said, "After the toss, Tamim started feeling unwell. He then voluntarily went to KPJ Specialised Hospital. After feeling a bit better, he informed us that he wouldn't stay there and if needed, he would go to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Later, he returned to BKSP, and a helicopter was called in the meantime."

"However, after returning to BKSP, his condition worsened, and he started frothing at the mouth. He was then immediately rushed back to KPJ Specialised Hospital for immediate medical attention," he added.

Mohammedan official Tariqul Islam Tito told TBS, "Tamim was hospitalised after he experienced chest pain. Attempts were made to transfer him to a hospital in Dhaka, and a helicopter was even brought to the field.

"However, he was not in a condition to be airlifted, so he is receiving treatment in this hospital for now."

Mohammedan's team physio Enamul Haque recalled the moment Tamim fell ill, saying, "Everything seemed normal in the morning when we arrived at the ground. But after taking the field, he suddenly complained of chest pain. We acted quickly and took him straight to the hospital."

Tamim's illness has also led to the postponement of today's scheduled directors' meeting of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Several BCB officials including Akram Khan, who is Tamim's uncle, have gone to the hospital.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has also enquired about Tamim's health condition.

On behalf of the chief adviser, his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder spoke to BCB Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

Nizam informed that an angiogram was conducted immediately to know Tamim's health condition after he was rushed to the hospital.

The BCB is in regular touch with Tamim's physicians and is ready to provide any support required for his treatment.

Tamim played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20 internationals for Bangladesh and led the national team in various phases during his illustrious career.