Rangpur Riders' opener Alex Hales has labeled Fortune Barishal skipper Tamim Iqbal's behavior during the post-match handshake in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as ‘pathetic’.
The incident occurred following Rangpur's dramatic victory at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where Nurul Hasan's 30-run final over clinched the win.
During the customary handshake, Hales and Tamim engaged in a heated exchange. Tamim, visibly upset, appeared to confront Hales, prompting intervention from Rangpur's team director Shanian Taneem and Barishal's Mahedi Hasan to prevent further escalation.
Hales recounted the incident to Channel 24, stating, “I don't know, he (Tamim) was upset about something... we shook hands, nothing was said when he asked me if I have something to say and say it to his face but I didn't say anything and then he was getting very personal.”
He further alleged that Tamim made personal remarks referencing Hales' past suspension, questioning if he was “still taking drugs.” Hales expressed disappointment, emphasising that on-field matters should remain on the field and criticized Tamim's post-match conduct as ‘pathetic’.
Following the match, Hales departed for Dubai to participate in the International League T20 (ILT20). In the BPL, he amassed 218 runs in six games, averaging 54.50 with a strike rate of 155.71.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
