Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who suffered a heart attack on Monday, is recovering, but doctors have said the next two to three days will be crucial in assessing the cricketer’s health.

Iqbal’s heart function appeared fine on Tuesday, according to doctors who have advised him to take adequate rest after undergoing an angioplasty surgery following a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match.

Health officials visited Iqbal at Sawar Hospital on Tuesday, and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Director Abdul Wadud Chowdhury said he should be cautious for the next three days.

“This morning, his heart function was fine. There could be another abnormal pulse. The risk is low. Less than 1%. But if it happens, it is 100% risk for that patient. Tamim is our national asset,” Chaudhry told the media.

“We told him that there is a low risk and that the next 48-72 hours are a critical period so that there are no further problems. He should talk less. He should rest a little. He should not be agitated in any way,” Chaudhry added.

Iqbal fell ill while leading Mohammedan Sports Club in a DPL match at BKSP in Sawar and had to be taken to the hospital for angioplasty.

“48 to 72 hours is risky. He will have to be given three months to return to normal activities like sports. Apart from that, he will be able to do normal activities and walk around the house. But he will have to rest,” Chowdhury said.

“By the grace of Allah and all your prayers, I am back. I am lucky to have such wonderful people around me in my time of need. All your efforts and wisdom helped me overcome the crisis,” Iqbal posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

Doctors had earlier said that Iqbal regained consciousness after the emergency surgery on Monday and spoke to a family member.

Iqbal was leading Mohammedan Sports Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club, but bowled only one over in the first innings of the match.