Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who suffered a heart attack on Monday, is recovering, but doctors have said that the next two to three days will be crucial in assessing the cricketer’s health condition.

Iqbal’s heart function seemed fine on Tuesday, as per doctors, who have advised him to get plenty of rest after an angioplasty procedure following a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match.

Health officials visited Iqbal at the Savar Hospital on Tuesday, and Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, said that he had to be careful over the next three days.

“This morning, his heart function seemed fine. There may be an abnormal beat again. The risk is low. Less than 1%. But if it happens, then it is a 100% risk for that patient. Tamim is our national asset,” Chowdhury said while speaking to the media.

“We told him that there is a slight risk so that there are no further problems, that the next 48-72 hours are a critical period. He should talk less. He should rest a little. He should not be excited in any way,” Chowdhury added.

Iqbal was leading the Mohammedan Sporting Club in a DPL game in BKSP in Savar when he fell ill and had to be rushed to the hospital for an angioplasty.

“48 to 72 hours is risky. He will have to be given three months to return to normal activities like sports. Apart from that, he will do normal activities and walk at home. But he will have to rest,” Chowdhury said.

“By the grace of Allah and all your prayers, I have come back. I am fortunate that so many amazing people were around me in my time of need. All your efforts and prudence helped me overcome the crisis,” Iqbal posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

Doctors had earlier said that Iqbal had regained consciousness and spoken to a family member after the emergency operation on Monday.

Iqbal was leading the Mohammedan Sporting Club against the Shinepukur Cricket Club but fielded for just one over of the match’s first innings.

Source: News18
--Agencies