Dhaka Capitals Coach Dies After Collapsing During BPL

Mahbub Ali Zaki, the assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, tragically passed away after collapsing just before their opening match in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Despite immediate medical efforts, Zaki was declared dead at Al Haramain Hospital. Known for his work with Taskin Ahmed and his legacy as a pace bowling coach with BCB, Zaki's sudden passing has left the cricket community in shock and mourning.

Dhaka Capitals Assistant Coach Mahbub Ali Zaki Dies After Collapsing During BPL Match

In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Mahbub Ali Zaki, the assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, tragically passed away after collapsing just minutes before his team’s opening match in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Zaki, who was at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, suddenly fell to the ground, leaving players, staff, and fans in shock.

Immediate Response and Medical Efforts

Team staff and medical personnel acted swiftly, administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before rushing him to Al Haramain Hospital. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Zaki was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Debashish Chowdhury, the chief physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), confirmed the sad news, leaving everyone around the stadium in a state of disbelief.

What shocked those present even more was that Zaki had shown no prior signs of health issues before the incident. His sudden collapse, just minutes before the Dhaka Capitals’ first match against the Rajshahi Warriors, has left the entire cricketing community in mourning.

Tributes from the Cricketing Community

The tragedy was felt deeply by many across the BPL. Players and staff from various teams, including Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express, and Chattogram Royals, rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news. The outpouring of support and concern from the wider cricket community shows the strong bonds that exist within the sport, with everyone united in grief over the untimely passing of a beloved figure.

Mahbub Ali Zaki’s Legacy

Zaki, who was 59 years old, had a distinguished career as a fast bowler and later as a coach. His contributions to Bangladesh cricket were immense, particularly in pace bowling. Zaki first came into the limelight in 2016, when he worked closely with Taskin Ahmed, helping him clear his bowling action during the T20 World Cup in India. His deep knowledge and commitment to player development earned him the role of Specialist Pace Bowling Coach at the BCB Game Development.

After retiring from his playing career, Zaki dedicated himself to coaching and helping young fast bowlers hone their skills. His journey with the BCB began in 2008 as a High-Performance coach, and over the years, he made a lasting impact on the growth of pace bowling in Bangladesh. Zaki also had a successful playing career, representing Comilla District in the National Cricket Championship and playing for prominent Dhaka clubs like Abahani and Dhanmondi in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League.

A Deep Loss to the Cricket Community

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed profound sorrow at Zaki’s passing, offering its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the cricketing community. His sudden death has left a void, but his legacy as a coach and mentor will forever remain in the hearts of those he worked with.

As the cricket world comes to terms with this shocking loss, the Bangladesh Premier League and the wider cricketing community will undoubtedly continue to honor the memory of Mahbub Ali Zaki, whose contributions to the sport, both as a player and coach, have had a lasting impact.

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