The Bangladesh The Premier League (BPL) match between Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders gained attention because of 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 grabbed the limelight. The two were involved in a verbal altercation during the game, but afterwards they shook hands and it seemed like everything was settled. However, the issue escalated even after the match.
Asking me if I was ashamed of being banned for drugs for England and asking me if I still do drugs – Alex Hales on the fight with Tamim Iqbal
The problem got worse when Alex Hales in an interview revealed the fight with Tamim Iqbal. He said Tamim was upset about something and got very personal. He called the former Bangladesh player pathetic, revealing that he asked him if he was still on drugs. Speaking to the press, 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 to say it to his face, but I didn't say anything and then it became very personal.”
“He was asking if I was ashamed of being banned for drugs Englandand he was asking me if I was still on drugs and he was very, very rude. It's a real shame because if something happens on the pitch that just ends up on the pitch, but to get personal after the game, I think it's pathetic, to be honest.”
I had to stick 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 issue off the field when he spoke to the media. He said the former England batsman had an ordeal as a youngster and also kept taunting him and therefore had to stand up for his teammate and himself. Speaking to a journalist, he said:
“A lot is happening on the field. I wanted to keep it on the field, but since their team already talked about it on TV, I'll address it. Why would I confront him if nothing had happened?”
“He (Hales) abused Emon and it was visible on TV. Taunted 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 Emon again, I had to stick up for my teammate and I don't regret doing it. We both exchanged words.”
I will always stand up for us no matter how I am portrayed on TV – Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal also said he asked Alex Hales about the drug saga, saying he will always support his players. He said the opposition beat surprised everyone with his comments in the media.
“I didn't even know about his ban or follow him that closely. But I know there are many allegations against him in England. If anyone says anything about me or my team, I will always stand up for us, no matter how I am portrayed on television.”
“The verbal exchanges between players on the pitch are normal, but Hales surprised everyone with that interview. After watching it, I felt that people should hear my side too.”
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