Mahbub Zaki dies on-field amid BPL 2025 match:Dhaka Capital’s assistant coach collapsed before the clash; declared dead in hospital after CPR

Bangladesh cricket was left in deep shock on Saturday after the sudden death of Mahbub Ali Zaki, assistant coach of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) side Dhaka Capitals. The 59-year-old collapsed on the field just minutes before the Dhaka Capitals’ opening match against the Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Despite immediate medical attention, Zaki could not be saved. His untimely passing has sent waves of grief across the Bangladeshi cricket fraternity, with players, officials, and fans mourning the loss of a respected coach and mentor. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later confirmed his death and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family and the cricket community. Collapsed moments before the match started in BPL 2025 According to officials present at the venue, Mahbub Ali Zaki suddenly collapsed on the field shortly before the toss. Team staff and medical personnel rushed to his aid and immediately began CPR. He was then taken by ambulance to Al Haramain Hospital in Sylhet. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. BCB Chief Medical Officer Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the tragic news later in the day. No prior health complaints ahead of the season The incident left everyone at the stadium stunned. Team officials stated that Zaki had not shown any signs of discomfort or complained of health issues before collapsing. As the news spread, several players and staff members from other BPL teams rushed to the hospital to pay their respects. Players from Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express, and Chattogram Royals were among those who visited Al Haramain Hospital. Former fast bowler and respected coach Mahbub Ali Zaki was a former fast bowler who represented Comilla district in the National Cricket Championship. He also played club cricket for leading teams such as Abahani and Dhanmondi in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. After retiring from professional cricket, Zaki moved into coaching and became deeply involved in player development. He joined the Bangladesh Cricket Board in 2008 as a high-performance coach and played a key role in improving fast bowling standards in the country. Worked closely with Taskin Ahmed Zaki came into national focus during the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, when questions were raised about Taskin Ahmed’s bowling action. Zaki worked closely with Taskin during that phase and was instrumental in guiding the pacer through a difficult period in his career. In its condolence message, the BCB said, “BCB is deeply saddened by the passing of game development specialist pace bowling coach Mahbub Ali Zaki.” Part of historic U-19 World Cup victory One of Zaki’s biggest contributions to Bangladesh cricket came in 2020, when he was part of the coaching staff that guided Bangladesh to their maiden ICC title at the Under-19 World Cup. The victory remains a landmark moment in the country’s cricket history. Cricket fraternity mourns Zaki’s death The BCB expressed deep condolences to Zaki’s family, friends, and colleagues, praying for peace for the departed soul. Tributes have poured in from players and officials, remembering him as a humble, hardworking coach who dedicated his life to Bangladeshi cricket.