Bangladesh Premier League 2025: Mahbub Ali Zaki, who is the assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, died on Saturday as he had collapsed at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, just a few minutes before their tournament opener against Rajshahi Warriors. The team members and the doctors were seen giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as Zaki had collapsed on the ground before the match. He was rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.
The match began according to the original schedule, with the players and coaches observing a one-minute silence in his honor.
"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. 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," a statement released by BCB said.
Zaki's sudden collapse left everyone stunned as the team officials revealed that he had not complained of any health problems before this incident. A lot of players from BPL teams like Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express, and Chattogram Royals visited the hospital after the news of Zaki's death came out.
Zaki moved up in Bangladesh's cricket circles when he worked closely with Taskin Ahmed, whose bowling action came under the scanner in the Men's T20 World Cup in 2016.
He used to play as a fast bowler in his playing career and has played for teams like Comilla district in the National Cricket Championship and also played for Abahani Limited in the Dhaka Premier League.