Tragedy struck Dhaka Capitals ahead of BPL match

Assistance coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapsed just before the game

Tragedy struck the Bangladesh Premier League on Saturday when Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki passed away after collapsing shortly before his team’s fixture against Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet.

The incident occurred during pre-match preparations, around 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the match. Players from both sides were in the vicinity of their dressing rooms, going through warm-ups, when Zaki suddenly fell ill and collapsed.

Medical staff at the venue responded immediately and administered emergency treatment, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), before he was rushed to Al Haramain Hospital in Sylhet. He was later transferred to the intensive care unit, but despite efforts by doctors, Zaki could not be revived and was pronounced dead following a heart attack.

Zaki was a well-respected figure in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket circuit and had been working as an assistant coach with Dhaka Capitals during the ongoing BPL season. His sudden passing cast a pall over the matchday, with players, officials and support staff visibly shaken by the news.

Dhaka Capitals confirmed the development in an official statement on social media, expressing deep sorrow at the loss of a valued member of their coaching staff.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our dear assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals family has left us after suffering from heart disease,” the franchise said in a post on Facebook. “We are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and several BPL franchises also expressed their condolences, paying tribute to Zaki’s contribution to the game and offering support to his family and the Dhaka Capitals squad.

While the BPL has witnessed injuries and on-field incidents in the past, such a tragic loss off the field is rare and has once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies in professional sport.

Zaki’s death has left a void in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket fraternity, where he was known for his dedication to player development and his quiet presence behind the scenes. The league is expected to observe tributes in his memory in the coming days as teams and players mourn the loss of a respected coach.