The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match between Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders gained attention due to the fight between Alex Hales and Tamim Iqbal. In the match, Rangpur won and continued their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
But more than the match, it was Alex Hales and Tamim Iqbal who gained the spotlight. The duo were involved in a verbal spat during the game, but after that, they shook hands, and it seemed that everything was sorted. However, the issue escalated even after the match.
He was asking if I was embarrassed for getting banned for drugs for England, and he was asking if I was still taking drugs – Alex Hales on fight with Tamim Iqbal
The issue got worse when Alex Hales, in an interview, revealed the fight with Tamim Iqbal. He said that Tamim was upset with something and was getting very personal. He called the former Bangladesh player pathetic, revealing that he asked him if he still takes drugs. Speaking to the media, he said:
“I don’t know, he (Tamim) was upset about something… we shook hands, nothing was said when he asked me if I had something to say and say it to his face, but I didn’t say anything and then he was getting very personal.”
“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.”
I had to stand up for my teammate, and I have no regrets about doing so – Tamim Iqbal’s reply to Alex Hales
However, according to Tamim Iqbal, Alex Hales took the matter out of the field when he spoke to the media. He said that the former England batter had a go at the youngster and also kept mocking him, and hence, he had to take a stand for his teammate and himself. Speaking to a journalist, he said:
“A lot happens on the field. I wanted to keep it on the field, but since their team has already spoken about it on TV, I will address it. Why would I confront him if nothing had happened?”
“He (Hales) abused Emon, and it was visible on TV. He mocked him again today. If you watch the celebration video, Rangpur players ran towards Sohan after the win, but Hales kept looking at me and mocking me. It seemed like he wanted a fight. 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 will always stand up for us, regardless of how I’m portrayed on TV – Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal also opened up about asking Alex Hales about the drug saga, saying that he will always stand for his players. He said that the opposition batter surprised everyone with his comments in the media.
“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.”
“Verbal exchanges between players on the field are normal, but Hales surprised everyone with that interview. After watching it, I felt people should hear my side too.”
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