Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapsed during match preparations in Sylhet and was later declared dead at the hospital.
Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapsed on the ground while the team was preparing for its Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match against Rajshahi Royals at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The incident happened shortly before the start of the game, sending shockwaves through the camp. Medical staff present at the venue immediately rushed to his aid as players and officials looked on in concern.
Zaki was administered CPR on the field by the team’s physiotherapists before being taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. Despite the swift response and medical attention, his condition did not improve. He was later declared dead, leaving the Bangladesh cricket fraternity in mourning.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the tragic news to Daily Sun. “Mahbub Ali Zaki has passed away. I am unable to say anything more at this moment,” Chowdhury said as quoted by Daily Sun.
Mahbub Ali Zaki’s Career
Known for his expertise in bowling mechanics and rehabilitation, Mahbub Ali Zaki played a key role in developing Bangladesh’s fast-bowling resources. He served as the National Specialist Bowling Coach at the BCB and worked extensively at the National Cricket Academy in Mirpur. Zaki was also the bowling coach of the Bangladesh Under-19 team that won the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup.
In the BPL, he previously worked as an assistant coach with Chittagong Vikings in 2017 and joined Dhaka Capitals ahead of the 2025 season. He was also involved with the Bowling Action Review Committee, helping correct suspect bowling actions in domestic cricket.
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Zaki is best remembered for mentoring Taskin Ahmed, rebuilding his bowling action after it was declared illegal by the ICC, and guiding Shoriful Islam’s rise from a medium-pacer to a fast bowler.
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