“He was very very rude and asking if I was still taking drugs” - Alex Hales opens up on the heated exchange with Tamil Iqbal in BPL

Fortune Barishal skipper Tamim Iqbal and Rangpur Riders opening batter Alex Hales involved in a heated moment in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 season. The argument involved these two former players happened between Rangpur Riders and Fortune Barishal on January 9.

Notably, the incident took place during the post-match hand shakes between players of both sides. Both sides’ staff members had to separate the players during the heated argument. 

It’s worth noting that Alex Hales was earlier banned for 21 days and was sacked from England squads across formats since the 2019 World Cup after he tested positive for a recreational drug. 

“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 told Channel 24 after the encounter.

After the above-mentioned match came to an end, Tamil Iqbal stated to a Bangladeshi journalist that he had no regrets about his statements toward Alex Hales as he was standing for his young teammate Iqbal Hossain Emon.

“He abused Emon, and it was visible on TV. He mocked him again today," Tamim said. 

“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,” he added.

“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," Tamim said.

“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,” he concluded.

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