The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match between Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders gained attention because of the battle between Alex Hales and Tamim Iqbal. In the match, Rangpur won and continued their unbeaten run in the tournament.
But more than the match, it was Alex Hales and Tamim Iqbal who grabbed the limelight. The duo were involved in verbal altercations during the game, but after that, they shook hands and everything seemed to be settled. However, the issue escalated after the match as well.
He asked if I was embarrassed to be banned for drugs for England, and he asked if I was still taking drugs – Alex Hales on fight with Tamim Iqbal
The matter got worse when Alex Hales in an interview revealed the fight with Tamim Iqbal. She said Tamim got upset about something and was getting very personal. He described the former Bangladesh player as pathetic, revealing that he asked him if he was still taking drugs. Speaking to the media he said:
“I don’t know, he (Taim) was upset about something… we shook hands, nothing was said when he asked me if I had anything to say and said it to his face, but I didn’t say anything and then he got very personal.”
“He was asking if I was embarrassed about being 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 because if something happens on the field, it’s over. on the pitch, but to get personal after the game, I think it’s pathetic, to be honest.”
I had to stand up for my teammate and I don’t regret doing it – Tamim Iqbal’s response to Alex Hales
However, according to Tamim Iqbal, Alex Hales took the matter off the field when he spoke to the media. He said the former England player had eyed the youngster and also continued to taunt him, and as such, he had to stand up for his team-mate and himself. Speaking to a reporter, he said:
“A lot happens on the field. I wanted to keep it on the field, but since their team already talked about it on TV, I’ll mention it. Why should I confront him if nothing had happened?’
“He (Hales) abused Eamon and it was visible on television. He fooled him again today. If you watch the video of the celebration, the Rangpur players ran towards Sohan after the win, but Hales kept looking at me and taunting me. He looked like he wanted a fight. Later, when he insulted Aemon again, I had to defend my teammate and I don’t regret doing that. We both exchanged words.”
I will always stand up for us no matter how I am portrayed on TV – Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal also opened up about asking Alex Hales about the drugs saga, saying he will always support his players. He said the opposition batsman surprised everyone with his comments to the media.
“I didn’t even know about his ban or follow him closely. But I know there are many accusations against him in England. If someone says something about me or my team, I will always defend us, no matter how I am portrayed on TV.”
“Verbal exchanges between players on the field are normal, but Hales surprised everyone with this interview. After watching it, I felt that people should hear my side as well.”
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