Tamim Personally Attacked Me: Hales

Sports Desk

Following a tense match against Rangpur Riders, Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal confronted Rangpur’s English opener Alex Hales, leading to a heated exchange. Hales later claimed in an interview with a private television channel that Tamim personally attacked him.

The incident occurred on Thursday at the Sylhet International Stadium during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Rangpur required 26 runs in the final over to win. Nurul Hasan Sohan struck three fours and three sixes off Kyle Mayers, securing an improbable victory with 30 runs in the over.

Tamim, visibly frustrated after the loss, was not fielding during the final over. He appeared agitated from the sidelines and clashed with Hales immediately after the match. Television footage showed Tamim charging toward Hales, with Sohan and Rangpur’s team director Shahinayan Tanim attempting to intervene. Rangpur teammates eventually escorted Hales away.

Speaking to the media, Hales said, “It’s very disappointing. I don’t know why he took it personally. He attacked me personally and said things that hurt me. I have nothing to say to him. It’s shameful, but I prefer to move on rather than dwell on this.”

Barishal batting coach Nafis Iqbal, who is also Tamim’s elder brother, addressed the incident during a press conference, stating, “I’m not sure what happened as it wasn’t discussed. Tamim was clearly emotional, which is understandable after losing such a match. I hope it’s nothing serious, though something must have been said to provoke that reaction.”

Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan downplayed the incident, saying, “I didn’t witness it closely. I saw the latter part of the exchange as I was returning. I’ll understand better after reviewing the situation in the dressing room. Something did happen, but I’m not sure about the details.”