Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was involved in a heated altercation with England opener Alex Hales at the end of a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 game. In the aftermath of the altercation, both Hales and Tamim have shot fire at the other via the media. Hales, part of Rangpur Riders, accused Fortune Barishal skipper Tamim of being “very rude”, bringing up allegations of drug abuse, while the latter then defended his actions, stating that Hales had verbally abused 18-year-old cricketer Iqbal Hossain Emon.

Hales accused Tamim of making a personal attack, stating that Tamim had brought up use of drugs. Hales was banned from representing England at the 2019 World Cup after failing a recreational drugs test. It was this matter that Hales said Tamim had brought up in a rude manner.

“He was asking if I was embarrassed for getting banned for drugs for England, and he was asking if I was still taking drugs. He was very, very rude. It’s a real shame really because if anything happens on the field that just ends on the field, but to get personal and that too after the game, I think is pathetic, to be honest,” said Hales on Bangladesh-based Channel 24.

Tamim Iqbal was furious with Alex Hales after Fortune Barisal’s loss.#BPL2025 #bplt20 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Pnv9iq3XIS

— Mominul Islam (@MominulCric) January 9, 2025

On the other hand, Tamim hit back and defended his actions. The former Bangladesh skipper said that he had only reacted in that manner after Hales had verbally abused Barishal’s 18-year-old player Iqbal Hossain Emon.

“If you watch the celebration video, Hales kept looking at me and mocking me. It seemed like he wanted a fight,” explained Tamim, speaking on journalist Riasad Azim’s YouTube channel.

“Later, when he again insulted Emon, I had to stand up for my teammate, and I have no regrets about doing so. We both exchanged words,” Tamim added.

Tamim stated that while had little idea about Hales’ instance of being banned for drugs use, he had no choice but to defend his 18-year-old teammate.

“All I knew is that he (Hales) has faced many allegations in England, and has not been liked by his own team. It’s not like he’s very clean and calm. That’s what their media says,” Tamim said.

“If someone is going after me, or going after an 18-year-old guy, I will always stand up, regardless of how I am portrayed on TV,” he added.

“I told him ‘Be a man, if you want to say something, tell it to my face. Don’t make these kinds of gestures’,” shared Tamim.

Rangpur Riders had scripted a sensational victory over Fortune Barishal, with Rangpur captain chasing down 30 runs in the final over, sparking wild celebrations.

Bangladesh legend Tamim Iqbal and former England cricketer Alex Hales got into a heated altercation during a Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 match on January 9. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media in which Tamim could be seen losing his control. It happened after Rangpur Riders beat Fortune Barishal in a nail-biting thriller at the Sylhet International Stadium. Barishal captain Tamim, whose team was at the receiving end of the terrific finish, was seen involved in a war of words with opponent team opener Hales.

Both the players opened up on the fight later.

“He was asking if I was embarrassed for getting banned for drugs for England and he was asking if I was still taking drugs and he was very, very rude. It’s a real shame really because if anything happens on the field that just ends on the field, but to get personal and that too after the game, I think is pathetic, to be honest,” Hales revealed on Channel 24, as quoted by Wisden.

Notably, England batsman Alex Hales, in 2019, served a ban for an ‘off-field’ incident reported to involve recreational drug use.

Tamim too presented his case to another media organisation, stating that it was Hales who was at fault.

“He abused Emon, and it was visible on TV. He mocked him again today. If you watch the celebration video, Rangpur players ran towards (Nurul) after the win, but Hales kept looking at me and mocking me. It seemed like he wanted a fight,” explained Tamim on Riasad Azim’s YouTube channel.

“Later, when he again insulted Emon, I had to stand up for my teammate, and I have no regrets about doing so. We both exchanged words.”

He added: “I didn’t even know about his ban or follow him that closely. But I do know there are many accusations against him in England. If anyone says something about me or my team, I will always stand up for us, regardless of how I’m portrayed on TV.”

Bangladesh cricket stalwart Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the second time he has stepped away from the game. His first retirement came in July 2023 during an emotional press conference, a decision he reversed within 24 hours after an intervention by Bangladesh’s then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Tamim made his latest decision known to the Bangladesh selectors in Sylhet on Wednesday. Despite the Gazi Ashraf Hossain-led selection panel urging him to return for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Tamim reiterated his intent to retire. Though some of his teammates, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, requested him to reconsider, Tamim took an additional day to reflect but ultimately stood firm on his choice.

“I have been away from international cricket for a long time,” he wrote on Facebook, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“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. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too,” he added.

“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart,” the post said.

With the deadline for Champions Trophy squad announcements set for January 12, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was prepared to wait until the last moment for Tamim’s decision. His impressive domestic form had kept him in contention. He has been active in domestic cricket since stepping away from the international stage, leading Barishal to victory in the 2024 BPL and earning the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. He also performed admirably in the Dhaka Premier League, followed by consistent runs in the NCL T20s and the ongoing BPL season.

Tamim, however, dismissed the BCB’s prolonged anticipation for his response, calling it “unnecessary” as he had already opted out of the central contracts for 2024, signalling his withdrawal from international cricket considerations.

“I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket,” he wrote.

“Many have said that I have left the matter hanging. Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer in BCB’s contracted list? I voluntarily stepped down more than a year ago,” he stated

“Even after that, there has been unnecessary discussion. The decision to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional sportsman. I have given myself time. Now I feel that the time has come,” the post added.

Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal questioned the DRS decision that led to Shadman Islam’s dismissal on Day 1 of the second Test match against India in Kanpur on Friday. The dismissal led to a debate between Tamim and former Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik. The ball-tracking technology decided that it was a dismissal but Tamim was of the opinion that it was sliding down the leg-side. Akash Deep was convinced that it was a dismissal and after the successful review, even Rohit was left stunned. It was a very important wicket for India in that situation but Tamim was not convinced and he raised questions about the DRS technology used in that particular delivery.

“I thought that was sliding down the leg stump but DRS had other ideas,” Tamim said in commentary.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was in the commentary box with Tamim, disagreed to his statement and said that the camera angles can sometimes create an illusion.

“DK spoke about the camera angles. It’s not always absolutely straight, so it can give the impression that it is sliding down. Bounce was never going to be an issue in Kanpur. The Indian team was also surprised. There was only one member who believed it was out and that was Akash Deep,” said Shastri.

Akash Deep was impressive in a probing opening spell while Ravichandran Ashwin removed the dangerous Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto before rain halted India’s progress in the second Test on the opening day on Friday.

Given the forecast, it was expected to be a weather-hit contest from the beginning. Only 35 overs could be bowled after Rohit Sharma invited Bangladesh to bat in overcast conditions as visitors struggled to 107 for three after a brief resistance through Shanto (31).

Mominul Haque (40 batting) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (6) were at the crease when heavens opened up.

Overnight rain had delayed the start of the match by an hour. Heavy overcast conditions influenced India’s team selection as the hosts kept all three pacers from the Chennai Test, which meant that local boy Kuldeep Yadav missed out on another Test match. Akash (2/14 in 10 overs), who bowled round the wicket to the left-handers, consistently hit the good length areas and got the ball to either shape away or come in with the angle.

Shanto (57 balls, 4×6), though, batted with positive intent, if not combative, to ensure Bangladesh don’t lose way from the start.

(With PTI inputs)

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has shared his views on Gautam Gambhir‘s tenure as head coach of the Indian team thus far. Gambhir took over the reigns in July this year, replacing T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid. The former India opener took charge with a big reputation, having mastermined Kolkata Knight Riders’ Indian Premier League triumph earlier this year. In his first Test incharge of the team, India hammered Bangladesh by 280 runs in Chennai last week. However, Tamim feels its too early to judge Gambhir.

Speaking ahead of the start of play on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Kanpur, Tamim suggested that Gambhir’s ‘real character’ will come out once the Indian team loses a few games.

“When you’re winning, you don’t know the real character of the man. It’s only when you lose a series, then you lose another, that the real character comes out. No doubt, he is a capable man, but it’s too early. Let India have a bad game, then we will see what comes out,” Tamim said on Sports 18.

Meanwhile, India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur on Friday. Hosts India, who lead the two-match series 1-0, have fielded an unchanged side.

Bangladesh have however made a couple of changes with Khaled Ahmed and Taijul Islam replacing Taskin Ahdmed and Nahid Rana. The start of the match was delayed due to a wet outfield. India had won the opening Test by 280 runs.

India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Bangladesh XI: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed

File image of Ravi Shastri.© BCCI

File image of Rishabh Pant.© X (Twitter)

File photo of Ravi Shastri.© X (formerly Twitter)

Former Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal lauded Indian batter Shubman Gil for his “calmness” during his century against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chennai on Saturday. Centuries from Gill and Rishabh Pant helped India set a massive 515 run target in the first Test at Chennai. The two future batting stars for India took Bangladeshi bowling apart with some ruthless hitting, continuing their fine form in the long format.

Speaking on JioCinema, Tamim said, “I think this is a calmness towards him. Even after reaching the hundred. Whatever balls he faced, there was always a calmness towards him. And I think he played some excellent shots. Played up a lovely, lovely innings. Yes, they are talking about Rishabh Pant, the sixes and the fours. But how well has Gill batted? I cannot forget the pull shot that he played yesterday. It is unbelievable. And the drives and the calmness. The best part was the whole calmness. It seems to me I do not know him personally, but he seems to be a very calm man,” Tamim told Jio Cinema.

Now in 26 Tests, Gill has scored 1,611 runs at an average of 37.46, with five centuries and six fifties in 48 innings. His best score is 128.

This year, Gill has been doing well in long format after a couple years of inconsistency. In seven Tests and 13 innings, he has scored 617 runs at an average of 56.09, with three centuries and two fifties, with his best score being 119*.

He has been performing really well at number three spot, having taken over Cheteshwar Pujara’s spot. In 11 Tests and 19 innings, he has scored 737 runs at an average of 46.06, with three fours and two fifties and a best score of 119*.

Coming to the match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first.

The top-order collapsed, and India was left at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 in 118 balls, with nine fours) and Rishabh Pant (39 in 52 balls, with six fours) stitched a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India into the game. After India was reduced to 144/6, Ravichandran Ashwin (113 in 133 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (86* in 117 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) stitched a 199-run partnership, helping India reach 376 in 91.2 overs.

Hasan Mahmud (5/83) was the top bowler for Bangladesh, destroying the Indian top order, removing skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6). Taskin Ahmed also took three wickets for 55 runs.

In their first innings, Bangladesh lost wickets regularly. Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) put up a brief fight for Bangladesh, but Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) broke the back of Bangladesh batting. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. Bangladesh was bundled out for 149 runs in their first inning and trailed by 227 runs.

In their second innings, India once again lost their top-order quickly and was struggling at 67/3. But centuries from Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109 in 128 balls, with 13 fours and four sixes) helped them reach 287/4 before the innings was declared. Bangladesh was set a massive 515 to win.

Bangladesh started off the run-chase well, with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) putting up a 62-run opening stand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51* in 60 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) held the innings together as Ravichandran Ashwin (3/63) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/18) were among the wickets. At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten.

Virat Kohli‘s ‘sledging history’ with Mushfiqur Rahim came a point of discussion on commentary during Day 2 of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai on Friday. When Mushfiqur came out to bat in the first innings, former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal said on commentary that he expects something interesting considering his ‘history’ with Virat. It referred to Mushfiqur’s comments that Virat earlier sledged him on the field. Former India coach Ravi Shastri was in the commentary box with Tamim and did not miss the opportunity to take a cheeky dig.

“Mushfiqur Rahim is batting, Virat Kohli is in the slips. Watch out now. Keep an eye on them. They have quite the history,” Tamim said.

Reacting to Iqbal’s comments, Shastri asked, “What history?”

The ex-Bangladesh skipper replied – “Oh, you know, Ravi. You know what history I am talking about.”

Earlier, Mushfiqur said that Kohli tends to say things to him when he comes out to bat against India.

“Whenever I play against him, he always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat because he is a really competitive guy and he doesn’t want to lose any cricket match. I really love that rivalry with him and the challenge that comes with facing him and India,” Rahim explained.

India took command of the first Test against Bangladesh as they extended their lead to 308 after fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah helped bundle out the visitors for 149 on Friday.

The hosts were 81-3 at stumps in their second innings on day two in Chennai. Shubman Gill, on 33, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, on 12, were batting at close of play.

Taskin Ahmed took down skipper Rohit Sharma for five and fellow pace bowler Nahid Rana had left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind for 10.

Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped Virat Kohli lbw for 17. Ultra edge technology showed a spike on the bat’s inside edge, which even Kohli did not notice.

Bangladesh were dismissed in the final session with former skipper Shakib Al Hasan top-scoring on 32 in their reply to India’s first-innings total of 376.

The hosts did not enforce the follow-on, deciding instead to build on their lead of 227.

(With AFP inputs)