Tamim Iqbal regains consciousness, speaks to family after heart procedure

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has regained consciousness after undergoing a stent procedure on his heart. He is now speaking to doctors and family members.

The Tigers opener was doing comparatively better than when he was rushed to the hospital from a cricket ground with chest pain on Monday, BCB Director Mahbubul Anam said after exiting the Cardiac Care Unit of the hospital.

Tamim will be closely monitored for the 48 hours as doctors emphasised that this period was crucial following the placement of a stent.

Tamim, the captain of Mohammedan Sporting Club, had taken part in the toss in a match against Dhaka Premier League (DPL) opponents Shinepukur Cricket Club at Savar's BKSP No. 3 field on Monday.

But he experienced pain in the chest before the team took the field. He was then rushed to the KPG Specialised Hospital and Nursing College nearby.

There, an angiogram was conducted and a blockage was found in the cricketer’s heart. A ring was speedily attached.

A doctor at the hospital said: “Tamim received CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for 20 straight minutes on his way from the field. The blockage was detected by a test after he was admitted to the hospital. As it was a 100 percent blockage, a ring was fitted. He is doing relatively better than in the morning. Currently, he is under observation at the CCU for 24 hours.”

Rajeeb Hasan, medical director at the hospital, provided additional details at a press briefing. “Tamim Iqbal fell ill around 9:30am today,” he said. “He was brought here in that condition and we began treating him. Afterwards, we began to believe that he could not be taken to Dhaka for various reasons. At one point, his condition became critical. He returned in that condition. We have provided all the treatment necessary in that critical condition.”

“His condition is now improving. He had a heart attack. So we conducted an angiogram, angioplasty, and a stent. By the grace of Allah, the stenting was done very smoothly and efficiently. Dr Moniruzzaman Maruf performed the stenting. Now that blockage is completely gone. As we said, he was in critical condition. Now, after the stent, he is under observation. The critical phase is not over yet. It will take some time. We are all trying our best.”