Tensions flared during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match as Rangpur Riders and Fortune Barishal faced off in a nail-biting encounter. While Rangpur secured a thrilling victory, the post-match drama between England’s Alex Hales and Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal became the center of attention.
The incident unfolded after Rangpur’s captain, Nurul Hasan, smashed an unbeaten 32 off just seven balls, clinching the game with 26 runs required in the final over. The celebrations at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium took an ugly turn as Hales and Tamim were involved in a heated exchange, overshadowing the dramatic win.
Hales Accuses Tamim of Personal Insults
Hales, who played for Rangpur, accused Tamim of making inappropriate comments about his past. Speaking to Channel 24, the former England opener alleged that Tamim mocked him over his 2019 ban for recreational drug use, which ended his international career.
“He asked me if I was embarrassed about being banned for drugs and whether I was still using them. He was very rude,” Hales claimed.
The ban, which had significant repercussions on Hales’ career, remains a sensitive topic for the cricketer.
Tamim Defends His Actions
Tamim, captain of Fortune Barishal, offered his version of events, stating that his actions stemmed from defending his young teammate, Iqbal Hossain Emon. In an interview with journalist Raisad Azim, Tamim explained that Hales had mocked Emon during the game, prompting him to intervene.
“He insulted Emon, and it was visible on TV. Even during the celebration, Hales kept looking at me and mocking me. It felt like he wanted a fight,” Tamim explained.
The veteran opener added, “I didn’t even know much about his past or the ban. But I will always stand up for my teammates if they are disrespected. Regardless of how it looks on TV, I have no regrets.”
Match Highlights and Team Performances
Despite the off-field drama, the match itself was a thrilling spectacle. Although Hales contributed only a single run to Rangpur’s chase, the team relied on power-packed performances across the batting order to secure victory off the last ball.
Rangpur Riders maintained their undefeated streak, sitting atop the table with six wins in six matches. Meanwhile, Fortune Barishal, with three wins, remains in second place.
As the tournament progresses, the fiery exchanges between players have added a layer of intensity to an already competitive league. Whether this clash will have further repercussions remains to be seen.
