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After a fiery exchange on-field during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025, Fortune Barishal skipper Tamim Iqbal presented his side of story after Rangpur Riders’ opener Alex Hales revealed the reason behind the confrontation. It is to be noted that after Riders’ three-wicket win in match against Fortune Barishal, the two engaged in an explosive exchange.
However, the incident went viral in no time, the England international Alex Hales revealed that Tamim Iqbal had asked “if I was still taking drugs” and claimed that the Bangladesh veteran was very rude. “He was asking if I was embarrassed for getting banned for drugs in 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 it is pathetic to be honest,” Hales said.
Tamim Iqbal hits back at Alex Hales for false allegations
In response to Hales’ allegations, the 35-year-old now retired Bangladesh veteran addressed the issue on journalist Riasad Azim’s YouTube channel, claiming that his anger stemmed from Hales verbally abusing Barishal teammate Iqbal Hossain Emon. Tamim stated that the confrontation was triggered in defense of Emon, which led to the heated exchange. "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," Tamim said on the YouTube show.
"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. 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," he further exclaimed.
Following the on-field rift with Alex Hales, Tamim Iqbal was handed one demerit point and a warning for breaching Level 1 of Bangladesh Premier League’s (BPL) Code of Conduct. Tamim Iqbal notably accepted the charges and eliminated the need of a formal hearing into the matter. Tamim Iqbal’s Fortune Barishal will next take on Dhaka Capitals on Thursday, January 16 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, whereas the Rangpur Riders, who at placed at the top pf the points table, will lock horns with Khulna Tigers on Monday, January 13 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
