Bangladesh cricket mourns beloved pace coach Zaki

Mahbub Ali Zaki arrived at the ground in the team bus in the afternoon. Even during the warm-up, he remained involved, moving with purpose and familiarity.

By evening, that same man returned from the hospital sealed in a coffin. The ground where he had collapsed before his team’s match became the site of his funeral prayer -- held after the team had gone on to win.

His death has cast a pall over Bangladesh cricket. Grief has swept through the hearts of current and former players, many of whom credit Zaki with shaping their careers and their lives.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza often discussed bowling at length with him. Shakib Al Hasan found Zaki early in his career. During the formative days of Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud, it was Zaki who taught them how to move forward with strength and discipline. His contribution to Taskin Ahmed’s career is regarded as invaluable.

Across generations, Zaki was a symbol of reassurance for Bangladesh’s fast bowlers. It would be difficult to find a pace bowler in the country who did not come under his influence at some stage.

After retiring as a player, Zaki began working as a coach with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in 2008, attached to the Game Development Department. During the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), he was serving as assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals.

Aged 59, he suffered a heart attack on the field shortly before the team’s opening match of the tournament and died on the way to the hospital.

Tributes have since flooded social media.

Mashrafe recalled countless conversations with him on bowling mechanics.

 “Zaki bhai, I have lost count of how many times we spoke about bowling. You probably understood bowling biomechanics better than anyone in Bangladesh. Today, you left your beloved ground. Rest well, brother. May Almighty Allah grant you Jannah, Ameen.”

Shakib also reflected on Zaki’s final moments on the field.

 “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the news of the passing of coach Mahbub Ali Zaki. I have known him from my early days as a professional cricketer and I recall the fond memories of interacting with him. His last moments were at a cricket ground doing the work he loved most. My heartfelt condolences to his family,” he wrote.

Former captain Tamim Iqbal said the loss felt painfully personal, recalling his own collapse during a domestic match earlier this year.

 “I am devastated by the sudden passing of Zaki bhai. I faced a similar terrifying situation on the field myself, and even today the memory sends shivers down my spine. By Allah’s mercy I survived, but Zaki bhai has left us forever. May Allah grant him [the highest level of paradise] and give strength and patience to his grieving family.”

Mustafizur Rahman remembered Zaki as his first coach after being selected through the pace-hunting programme.

 “Mahbub Ali Zaki sir was my first Pace bowling coach when I got selected through Pacer Hunt. He has helped me numerous times during my career. Disheartened to hear the news of Zaki sir's passing. May Allah grant him [the highest level of paradise],” he wrote on Facebook.

 “When I was picked through the Pacer Hunt, Mahbub Ali Zaki sir was my first coach. He helped me many times throughout my career. My heart is broken after hearing of his passing,” he said.

Taskin, whose bowling action Zaki helped rebuild after it was reported during the 2016 T20 World Cup, also paid tribute.

 “Our Assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals Mahbub Ali Zaki passed away today after suddenly suffering a heart attack. He was warming up with the players just before the match. Rest in Peace, Coach.

Deepest condolences to his family and the entire Dhaka Capitals family.”

Shariful Islam said he was struggling to accept the loss, having met Zaki just days earlier.

 “I still cannot believe that you are no longer with us, Mahbub Ali Zaki sir. From the under-19 days, you guided us like a guardian. From learning to winning the World Cup -- you were always there. We were laughing and chatting at practice just the day before yesterday. My heart feels unbearably heavy.”

Zaki also served as bowling coach of Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, currently playing in Australia, wrote:

 “Hearing from faraway Australia that Mahbub Ali Zaki sir is no longer with us has been deeply painful. We shared a special bond with him in our under-19 team.”

Hasan Mahmud, another fast bowler shaped under Zaki’s guidance, said: “One of Bangladesh’s finest bowling coaches, a man who guided my journey and gave me the dream of becoming a better cricketer, is no longer with us. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.”

Litton Kumer Das, though not a pacer, remembered Zaki’s passion for the game.

 “I had the privilege of learning from him during my U19 days, and from then till now, I’ve always respected him deeply for his passion and dedication to the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. A truly unforgettable and heartbreaking day for Bangladesh cricket,” he wrote.