Shakib, Taskin and others mourn the death of coach Zaki

Just moments before stepping onto the field, a devoted coaching career came to a sudden halt. The unexpected death of Mahbub Ali Zaki, a well-known figure in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket, has cast a shadow of grief over the country’s cricketing fraternity. A coach who played a vital role in nurturing players and shaping the careers of many national stars, Zaki’s passing has left a deep void beyond the boundary lines.

Following the death of Mahbub Ali Zaki due to a heart attack, several current and former cricketers expressed their condolences on social media. Their emotional messages reflected memories shared with him, his contributions on and off the field, and his humane presence as a mentor.

Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan shared his grief by posting Zaki’s photo on his verified Facebook page. Recalling his long association with the coach and knowing him since childhood as a professional cricketer, Shakib wrote,
“*I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of coach Mahbub Ali Zaki’s death. I have known him since my early days as a professional cricketer, and I carry sweet memories of our conversations. His final moments were spent on the cricket field. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.*”

Dhaka Capitals pacer Taskin Ahmed also paid tribute in an emotional message. Reflecting on working closely with Zaki as part of the team, Taskin wrote,
“*Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun… Our assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, Mahbub Ali Zaki, suddenly passed away today after suffering a heart attack. Just before the match, he was warming up with the players. Coach, rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and the entire Dhaka Capitals family.*”

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who is currently in Australia playing the Big Bash League, also expressed his sorrow from afar. Mentioning his special bond with Zaki during their Under-19 days, Rishad wrote,
“*Hearing from faraway Australia that Sir Mahbub Ali Zaki is no longer with us fills me with immense pain. We shared a unique bond during our time in the Under-19 team. May Allah grant him Jannah. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. Truly, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.*”

National team pacer Shariful Islam remembered his long journey with Zaki in a heartfelt post. Highlighting Zaki’s role from the Under-19 level through their World Cup triumph, Shariful wrote,
“*Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. I still cannot believe the news—you are no longer among us, Sir Mahbub Ali Zaki. From the Under-19 days, our learning began under your guidance, followed by winning the World Cup; you were beside us in every moment like a guardian. Just the day before yesterday, we were laughing and chatting during practice—thinking about it makes my heart heavy. May Allah grant you the highest place in Jannatul Ferdous and give strength to the bereaved family in this difficult time. Ameen.*”

Former regular national team pacer Rubel Hossain also shared his condolences, describing the news of Zaki’s death on the field as heartbreaking. He wrote,
“*Zaki bhai, the assistant coach of Dhaka, passed away after suffering a heart attack on the field. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. This news is truly heartbreaking—it reminds us how inevitable and real death is. May Allah grant you the highest place in Jannah. Ameen.*”