Bangladesh cricket was shaken by heartbreaking news from Sylhet, where Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki tragically passed away moments before his team’s Bangladesh Premier League match. The 59-year-old collapsed suddenly on the ground during pre-match preparations, leaving players, staff, and fans stunned.
The incident occurred just minutes after the toss for the Dhaka Capitals vs Rajshahi Royals clash at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
How the Incident Happened
Sudden Collapse on the Ground
Mahbub Ali Zaki was with his team during warm-up when he suddenly fell to the ground. The moment created panic across the field as players and staff rushed toward him.
Immediate Medical Response
- CPR was started on the field by the medical team.
- He was quickly taken by ambulance to Al Haramain Hospital.
- Doctors made continuous efforts to revive him, but he was declared dead around 1:00 PM.
The stadium fell silent as news of his passing spread, leaving everyone shocked.
BCB Confirms the Tragedy
The Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a statement mourning the loss of one of their most respected coaches. They highlighted his long service, passion for pace bowling development, and deep contribution to the game.
The board expressed deep sorrow, mentioning that his dedication to Bangladesh cricket will always be remembered with respect and gratitude.
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Who Was Mahbub Ali Zaki?
Mahbub Ali Zaki was one of Bangladesh’s most experienced and respected pace bowling coaches. His career spanned more than four decades across multiple levels of the game.
Coaching Roles & Achievements
- Assistant Coach, Dhaka Capitals
- Specialist Pace Bowling Coach, BCB Game Development
- Former Bowling Coach, Bangladesh Under-19 Team
- Worked with Chittagong Vikings in earlier BPL seasons
- Member of the Bowling Action Review Committee
Impact on Players
Zaki played a major role in rebuilding and guiding several Bangladesh fast bowlers, including:
- Taskin Ahmed – helped him redesign his bowling action
- Shoriful Islam – shaped him into a genuine fast bowler
He also contributed to the Under-19 World Cup 2020 title-winning setup, earning praise for his technical knowledge and player development skills.
Did He Have Any Health Issues?
Reports indicated that Zaki had shown no signs of illness before the match. His sudden collapse shocked teammates and officials, leaving questions about the exact cause.
Early indications suggested a possible heart-related issue, but no official medical cause has been shared yet.
Match Continued Despite the Incident
Though heavily shaken, the match between Dhaka Capitals and Rajshahi Royals proceeded as scheduled. However, players from both teams looked visibly disturbed after learning of his passing.
Massive Mourning Across Bangladesh Cricket
Tributes poured in from players, coaches, officials, and fans. Many expressed disbelief that Zaki was speaking to the media just days earlier and discussing Dhaka Capitals’ plans for the season.
Cricketers, franchises, and fans described him as:
- “A mentor”
- “A true cricket servant”
- “A pillar of Bangladesh’s fast-bowling progress”
His loss is seen as a huge setback for Bangladesh’s cricket development program.
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Mahbub Ali Zaki’s Contributions
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 59 |
| Role | Assistant Coach, Dhaka Capitals & BCB Specialist Pace Bowling Coach |
| Coaching Career | 40+ years |
| Notable Work | Taskin Ahmed action correction, shaping Shoriful Islam |
| Major Success | Support role in Bangladesh U-19 World Cup 2020 win |
| BPL Teams | Chittagong Vikings (2017), Dhaka Capitals (2025-26) |
Mahbub Ali Zaki inspired generations of fast bowlers and young cricketers. His impact on Bangladesh’s pace bowling structure will continue for years. Coaches, teammates, and players remember him as a technical expert, a calm mentor, and a guiding force behind many careers.
Bangladesh cricket has lost a deeply respected teacher and a beloved figure.
FAQs
1. Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki?
He was a veteran Bangladesh cricket coach and assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals.
2. How did he pass away?
He collapsed during pre-match warm-up and later passed away at the hospital.
3. Was he involved with the Bangladesh national team?
He served as a specialist pace bowling coach in BCB’s development program and worked with national players.
4. What was his age?
59 years.
5. Which teams did he work with in BPL?
Chittagong Vikings and Dhaka Capitals.
