Cricket coach collapses and dies just minutes before match in ‘immense loss’

Paramedics rushed to try and save the life of the cricket coach who collapsed just minutes before his team were set to compete, with tributes praising his “invaluable contribution” to the sport

A cricket coach collapsed and died just minutes before his team were set to play.

Dhaka Capitals assistant bowling coach Mahbub Ali fell ill during a practice session on the second day of a Bangladesh Premier League tournament in the city of Sylhet and was rushed to Al Harmain Hospital. Despite immediate CPR on the ground and urgent medical attention, doctors were unable to save his life.

Reports suggest the 52‑year‑old suffered a heart attack. The incident occurred barely 20 minutes before the Capitals were due to face the Rajshahi Warriors. Franchise officials said Ali was still breathing when taken by ambulance, but his condition deteriorated rapidly.

Confirming the devastating news, the Dhaka Capitals posted on social media, saying: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved assistant coach has passed away after suffering a heart attack. We are profoundly devastated by this irreversible loss.”

Head coach Toby Radford revealed Ali had been actively involved in team preparations right up until the collapse. Despite the shock, the match went ahead as scheduled, with players and staff visibly shaken.

The BPL had only begun on December 26, with Sylhet hosting the opening fixtures. The Capitals, previously captained by stars such as Kumar Sangakkara and Shakib Al Hasan, were preparing to launch their campaign when the tragedy struck.

Ali’s sudden death has cast a shadow over the tournament, leaving team-mates, fans, and the wider cricketing community mourning a respected figure in Bangladeshi cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has extended its condolences on the passing of the specialist fast bowling coach.

In a statement, it 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, December 27, 2025, in Sylhet at around 1pm.

“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.”

Before the first match of the Dhaka Capitals, players and fans stood together in a solemn minute of silence to honour the memory of the prominent bowling coach.

BCB posted a video on X, with the caption: “A minute of silence in memory of Mahbub Ali Zaki. Players, officials, and the entire cricketing fraternity observed a 1-minute silence to pay their respects to Mahbub Ali Zaki, honouring his life, legacy, and invaluable contribution to Bangladesh cricket.”