Who is Mahbub Ali Zaki? Dhaka Capitals Coach Who Died Minutes Before the BPL Match

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 just started and ahead of the 3rd match between the Dhaka Capitals and the Rajshahi Warriors, the atmosphere at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on December 27, 2025, shifted sharply. While the teams were busy preparing for the match, warming up and finalising routines and plans, an unexpected and serious situation happened that took everyone by surprise.

The Capitals' assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapsed just before the game and was immediately rushed to the hospital. This incident shook everyone who was present on the ground, not only the players but also the match officials.

Who is Mahbub Ali Zaki, Dhaka Capitals' coach?

Mahbub Ali Zaki was a veteran cricket coach from Bangladesh. Zaki was serving as the assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals franchise in the ongoing BPL season and was widely respected within the country’s cricketing circles for his work, particularly in developing fast bowlers and nurturing young talent across age-group teams.

On December 27, 2025, Zaki collapsed ahead of the Dhaka Capitals vs Rajshahi Warriors match in BPL and was taken to the hospital. The on-field medical experts gave him CPR before the ambulance arrived. Later, the doctors pronounced him dead in the hospital. After his death, the Bangladesh Cricket Board released a statement and expressed grief.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board deeply mourns the passing of Mahbub Ali Zaki, Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of the BCB Game Development Department and Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League,” the statement said.

“The dedication and invaluable contribution of Mahbub Ali Zaki to Bangladesh cricket will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude,” the BCB added.

The BPL coach death just before the start of the match raised suspicions of it getting cancelled. However, it went ahead with both teams observing a minute's silence before the match. Being one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world, the BPL is closely followed, especially among the fans in the subcontinent.

Mahbub Ali Zaki's Career as Coach

Mahbub Ali Zaki, 59, was a Dhaka Capitals coach this season. He was a fast bowler back in the days when he played cricket. He represented Comilla district in the National Cricket Championship and also played for Abahani Limited, Bangladesh's most decorated club in the Dhaka Premier League.

Zaki was one of the most respected players while he was playing cricket. Later, he transformed his career into the coaching role. He worked for BCB for 17 years as a specialist pace-bowling coach in the BCB's game development department.

“Following his playing career, Mahbub Ali Zaki dedicated himself to coaching and player development. He joined the BCB in 2008 as a High Performance coach and went on to make a significant contribution to the growth of pace bowling in the country through his work,” wrote BCB on their social media post.

He worked with many prominent bowlers during his career but came into light for working with Taskin Ahmed in 2016, who is currently one of the best bowlers in the world. Zaki was truly dedicated towards his job and wanted to open a fast bowling academy as well. The players and the staff will surely miss the presence of Zaki in the upcoming years.