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Tamim Iqbal Set To Play Cricket Again In Competitive T20 League After Serious Heart Scare

Rajgeeta Yadav

Tamim Iqbal set to return [Source: AFP]Tamim Iqbal set to return [Source: AFP]

Bangladesh fans could soon see three of the country’s biggest names, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Mahmudullah Riyad, back in action for the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) T20. The chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Tournament Committee, Akram Khan, confirmed the news on August 8.

Tamim Iqbal Set To Make A Comeback In Cricket 

For Tamim, this tournament will be extra special, it will be his first competitive match since suffering a heart attack earlier this year during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) game. The 36-year-old, who had retired from international cricket in January, collapsed on the field in March and had to undergo urgent surgery. 

He’s been recovering ever since, and after almost six months, he’s ready to make his comeback in mid-September. Apart from Tamim, Akram said Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah are also expected to play.

"I hope that all three will play. Tamim has talked with Chittagong," said Akram after a meeting at Mirpur on Thursday, as quoted by Newage media.

Mushfiqur, who still plays Test cricket for Bangladesh, has asked to represent Sylhet this time instead of his home team Rajshahi. Mahmudullah, like Tamim, has retired from international cricket but hasn’t yet said which division he’ll play for.

"Most probably Mushfiq requested the selectors that he wants to play for Sylhet. Riyad [Mahmudullah] hasn’t said anything like this, but definitely he will play. He should play," he added. 

Last year, Tamim played four matches in the NCL T20, Mushfiqur played two, and Mahmudullah didn’t play at all.

Notably, NCL T20 was launched last year and was a huge hit among local fans. The tournament is for Bangladesh players only, giving domestic talent a big stage to shine. This year, the BCB is even considering making it a day-night event to attract more viewers.

The 2025 NCL will start on 14 September, with matches in Bogra and Rajshahi during the league phase. The semi-finals and final will be held at Sylhet International Stadium.