Dhaka assistant coach Zaki dies after sudden collapse before BPL match
He is survived by his family, friends, and a wide circle of players whose careers he helped shape.
KATHMANDU: Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki passed away on Saturday after collapsing shortly before his team’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, sending shockwaves through the cricketing community.
Zaki, aged 59, suddenly fell ill during the pre-match preparations and collapsed near the team dugout just minutes before the scheduled start of the game.
Team officials and medical staff immediately rushed to his aid and administered emergency treatment on the ground before he was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
Despite prompt medical intervention, doctors declared him dead shortly after arrival.
Preliminary indications suggest that Zaki may have suffered a cardiac arrest, though no official medical cause has yet been announced.
The tragic incident cast a pall over the stadium as players, officials, and support staff from both teams struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss.
Before the match began, a minute’s silence was observed in his memory as a mark of respect.
Mahbub Ali Zaki was a highly respected figure in Bangladesh cricket, known for his long-standing contribution as a coach and mentor, particularly in the development of fast bowlers.
He had worked with the Bangladesh Cricket Board for many years in various roles, including game development and high-performance coaching, and had been involved with several domestic and franchise teams.
Former players, colleagues, and cricket administrators expressed deep grief over his untimely passing, remembering him as a dedicated professional with a calm demeanor and a strong commitment to nurturing young talent.
Zaki’s sudden death has once again highlighted concerns over health and emergency preparedness in professional sports, especially during high-intensity tournaments.
He is survived by his family, friends, and a wide circle of players whose careers he helped shape.
The Bangladesh cricket fraternity mourns the loss of a coach whose impact extended far beyond the boundary lines.
