Dhaka Capitals coach dies after collapsing during warm-up ahead of BPL match

Dhaka: Mahbub Ali Zaki, assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals, died on Saturday after collapsing shortly before the start of his team’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match against the Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Zaki, 59, collapsed during the warm-up session just minutes ahead of the match. Medical staff from the Dhaka Capitals immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before he was taken by ambulance to Al Haramain Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. 

The Dhaka Capitals expressed grief, stating on Instagram, “We are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace, and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

A former fast bowler, Zaki represented Comilla District in the National Cricket Championship and played for leading clubs such as Abahani and Dhanmondi in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching and joined the BCB in 2008 as a High Performance coach. Zaki played a significant role in nurturing Bangladesh’s pace bowling resources.

In an official statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said, “The Bangladesh Cricket Board deeply mourns the passing of Mahbub Ali Zaki (59), Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of the BCB Game Development Department and Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2026. He passed away today, 27 December 2025, in Sylhet at around 1:00 PM (afternoon).

Mahbub Ali Zaki’s dedication and invaluable contribution to the development of fast bowling and Bangladesh cricket will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire cricketing fraternity at this time of immense loss.”