Alex Hales has opened up about his recent spat with Tamim Iqbal during a BPL 2025 match yesterday (January 9), accusing the former Bangladesh captain of getting "personal" during the confrontation.
The match between Rangpur Riders and Fortune Barishal had a breathtaking finish. Needing 26 off the last over, Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan hit 30, the second-most runs scored in the last over of a successful chase in men’s T20s.
After the loss, Barishal skipper Tamim was seen having a run-in with opposition opener Hales. Cameras captured Tamim needing to be separated from the Ranpur players. However, the reason behind the altercation wasn’t exactly clear.
Speaking to Channel 24, Hales opened up about the ugly confrontation, revealing that Tamim had asked if he was embarrassed about getting banned by England for drug abuse. Notably, Hales was dropped from England's 2019 ODI World Cup squad after facing a 21-day ban for using recreational drugs.
"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.
In the BPL, Nurul Hasan obstructed bowler Jahandad Khan from taking a return catch – but his partner Mahedi Hasan was given out instead.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 9, 2025
The decision seems strange, but it was the right call!#BPL2025 #MahediHasan #NurulHasanhttps://t.co/m4dNzuMf4f
Tamim hits back with his fiery response
Responding to Hales’ claims on journalist Riasad Azim’s YouTube channel, Tamim accused Hales of abusing Barishal cricketer Iqbal Hossain Emon, which prompted his anger.
"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.
"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."
Tamim was handed one demerit point and a warning for committing a Level 1 offence under BPL's Code of Conduct. Match referee Neeyamur Rashid Rahul levied the charges, and Tamim accepted them, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
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