‘I was wondering if he was still taking drugs’: Alex Hales on reason for heated exchange with Tamim Iqbal

Last update:January 11, 2025, 10:33 IST

Alex Hales blamed Tamim Iqbal for mocking him over his suspension, while the Bangladeshi said he was defending his team-mate.

Tamim Iqbal and Alex Hales had a heated argument. (PC: X)

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal asked England’s Alex Hales if he was “still doing drugs”, sparking a heated argument between them in a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash between Rangpur Riders and Fortune Barishal on Thursday January 9.

It happened during the usual handshakes between the two teams after the game. Staff members from both sides had to separate the duo before the confrontation turned ugly.

Hales was suspended for 21 days and removed from England’s 2019 World Cup squad after testing positive for a recreational drug. The violation was said to have been detected after the first batsman, in excellent form at the time, underwent a routine hair follicle test. He never played an ODI again.

“He was asking me if I was embarrassed that I was banned from using drugs in England and he was wondering if I was still doing drugs and he was very, very rude. “It’s a real shame because if something happens on the field it just ends up on the field, but to be personal and that too after the game, I think it’s pathetic to be honest,” Hales told Channel 24.

After the match, Tamim told his side of the story to journalist Raisad Azim. He said he has no regrets because he was defending his 18-year-old teammate Iqbal Hossain Emon.

“He abused Emon and it was visible on television. “He was made fun of again today,” Tamim said. “If you look at the video of the celebration, the Rangpur players ran towards (Nurul) after the victory, but Hales kept looking at me and mocking me. It looked like he wanted to fight.”

“Later, when he insulted Emon again, I had to defend my teammate and I don’t regret doing so. “We both exchanged words,” Tamim said.

And he added: “I didn’t even know about his ban nor did I follow him so closely. But I do know that there are many accusations against him in England. “If someone says something about me or my team, I will always defend them, regardless of how they portray me on television.”

Barishal scored 197/5 batting first. The riders chased him with three wickets to spare.