Former Essex cricket star and Bangladesh captain, 36, on life support in hospital after heart attack on field

FORMER Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal is in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack at the start of a game.

The 36-year-old batsman was rushed to hospital in Bangladesh after suffering a cardiac arrest in Mohammedan Sporting Club's Dhaka Premier League Match against Shinepukur Cricket Club on Monday.

Former Essex cricketer Tamim Iqbal is in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack

Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal batting during a cricket match. — Iqbal was rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: Reuters

Tamim Iqbal reacting to his dismissal in a cricket match. — Iqbal complained of chest pain during the coin tossCredit: AFP

He is said to have complained of chest pain shortly after the coin toss.

The former Essex and Northampton star, who scored over 15,000 international runs, received treatment on the field before being rushed to the hospital.

Debashis Chowdhury, Bangladesh Cricket Board's medical officer, told AFP: "He suffered a heart attack.

"What I know so far is that his heart started to function better."

Iqbal is being treated at the Fazilatunnesa Hospital in Savar following failed efforts to transport him to a medical facility in Dhaka.

Chowdhury added: "He underwent initial checks at a local hospital, where mild heart issues were suspected.

"Efforts were made to transport him to Dhaka.

"But on the way to the helipad, he experienced severe chest pain and had to be rushed back.

A cricket player batting. — Tamim Iqbal made 391 appearances for his country during a 16-year-long international careerCredit: AFP

"Medical reports later confirmed it was a massive heart attack."

Recalling the incident, Mohammedan's team physio, Enamul Haque, said: "Everything seemed normal in the morning when we arrived at the ground.

Kent's Men's Head Coach Adam Hollioake has arrived in Canterbury to take over Cricket team

"But after taking the field, he suddenly complained of chest pain.

"We acted quickly and took him straight to the hospital."

Iqbal has received scores of well wishes, including one from former Bangladesh star Athar Ali Khan.

He wrote on X: "Prayers for Tamim Iqbal & requesting everyone to pray for his quick recovery.

"May ALLAH Taala give him strength & courage to make a full recovery as soon as possible. Aameen."

Iqbal represented Bangladesh in 391 matches across all codes of cricket during a 16-year-long international career.

Cricket player celebrating a century. — Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket in JanuaryCredit: ACTION IMAGES

He announced his retirement from international cricket in January.

He wrote on Facebook: "I have been away from international cricket for a long time.

"That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over.

"I have been thinking about this for a long time.

"Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone's attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus.