BCB Mourns the Death of Zakaria Pintoo

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Zakaria Pintoo, the first captain of the independent Bangladesh national football team and a distinguished sports personality.

Zakaria Pintoo, a recipient of the National Sports Award and the Independence Award, breathed his last today in Dhaka at the age of 81.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed paid tribute to this legendary athlete who led the Swadhin Bangla Football Team during the Liberation War, stating, "The name of Zakaria Pintoo will always be remembered in Bangladesh’s sports arena, especially for his contributions during the Liberation War. Through sports, he exemplified patriotism and carried the message of our struggle for independence to the international stage. On behalf of the BCB, I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to Zakaria Pintoo's family."

After his playing career, Zakaria Pintoo took on the role of an organizer. He was a player and later a director of the iconic Mohammedan Sporting Club. Born in Naogaon, this talented sportsman also served as the team’s coach. His demise undoubtedly leaves an irreplaceable void in the country’s sports world.