Dhaka: The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has called on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to implement emergency medical services at all cricket venues throughout the nation. The appeal comes amid recent fatalities that have occurred on cricket grounds.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CWAB’s plea follows a series of heart-related incidents, including the recent passing of Barishal Division physio Hasan Ahmed. Ahmed succumbed to cardiac arrest during a National Cricket League (NCL) match against Khulna at the Khulna Divisional Stadium.
The CWAB emphasized the necessity of accessible medical services, stating, “Many cricket grounds are far away from hospitals. Therefore, it is very important to have an ambulance at every venue, so that any health-related problem can be dealt with immediately.”
CWAB President Mohammad Mithun highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting, “There have been four heart-related incidents this year. We cannot take risks with anyone involved in a cricket match. BCB needs to be aware of this and take steps.”
Earlier this year, security officer Ikram Chowdhury died from a heart attack during a Bangladesh-Zimbabwe Test match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Additionally, former national team captain Tamim Iqbal experienced a heart attack during the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) at BKSP in Savar, although he has since recovered. Another recent incident involved a stadium worker named Romel who also suffered a heart attack.
CWAB remains hopeful that the BCB will prioritize their request, aiming to ensure that emergency medical services become a standard provision at every cricket venue across Bangladesh.