Life is too small, says recovering Bangladesh star Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh captain who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing a Dhaka Premier League cricket match on Monday, is recovering and has been made to walk a little inside the hospital room. However, the medical team attending to him says that the next 48 to 72 hours remain crucial for the 36-year-old star opener, who underwent an angioplasty for a heart blockage.

‘’Tamim’s condition is improving and he has started walking a little. However, the next 48 to 72 hours remain critical. He must wait at least three months before resuming normal activities, including sport,’’ Professor Abu Jafar, health directorate director-general professor, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Professor Abdul Wadud, director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Bangladesh, also confirmed that an echocardiogram is showing positive signs. ‘’His heart function appears normal but we must remain cautious. Abnormal rhythms could still occur,’’ he said.

Taking to his Facebook page, Tamim thanked people for their unstinted love and prayers for the last two days. "Some incidents make us realise the reality and how small this life is and in this small life, whatever we can do or not everyone should stand beside everyone and this is my little request,’’ said the man rated as the country’s best-ever opener.

‘’We live due to our heartbeat, but this heartbeat can stop without any announcement, and we tend to forget that often. Ahead of starting my activities yesterday, did I know what was going to happen to me?’’ Tamim posted.

‘’By the grace of Allah and blessings of everyone, I returned and I am fortunate that I got some good people during this time of crisis and through their wisdom and relentless hard work, I overcame this crisis. Some incident made us realise the reality and how small this life is and in this small life whatever we can do or not everyone should stand beside everyone and this is my humble request. I am extremely grateful to everyone for their love. Everyone should keep me and my family in your prayers because without your love Tamim Iqbal is no one," he added.

 ‘’We have advised against immediate movement. While Tamim’s condition has improved, a sudden deterioration cannot be ruled out. It is crucial to minimize exertion and maintain strict monitoring,’’ Prof. Wadud added.

Tamim retired from international cricket in January ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. He played 243 ODIs, 70 Tests and 78 T20Is to score over 15,000 runs across all formats. He also hit 25 centuries - the most by any Bangladesh batter. He last played for Bangladesh at home against New Zealand in September 2023.