Former Bangladesh Coach Mahbub Ali Dies of Heart Attack During Practice, Leaves Legacy of Mosque

Former Bangladesh national cricket team head coach and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Dhaka team coach Mahbub Ali passed away after suffering a fatal heart attack while supervising players’ practice, just ten minutes before the start of a match. He was childless.

According to reports, Mahbub Ali collapsed suddenly on the field during the training session and could not be revived despite immediate efforts. His janaza (funeral prayer) was held at the Dhaka Cricket Ground, attended by a large gathering of cricketers, coaches, officials, and fans from across the country.

Before the funeral prayer, Mahbub Ali’s wife- a respected professor at University of Dhaka- handed over his written will to Mufti Musa, who led the janaza. According to the will, half of Mahbub Ali’s land is to be dedicated to the construction of a mosque, while the remaining half will belong to his wife.

The will further stated that Mahbub Ali owned ten shops in Dhaka, with ownership equally divided between him and his wife. It instructed that all rental income from his five shops be permanently allocated to cover the imam’s salary, electricity bills, and operational expenses of the mosque to be built on his land.

When the will was read aloud during the funeral, many present-including senior cricketers-were visibly emotional. Bangladesh star cricketers Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim addressed the gathering, describing Mahbub Ali as their mentor and teacher. They said their success in international cricket was largely shaped by his guidance and dedication.

Both Tamim and Mushfiqur announced that they would personally ensure the construction of the mosque, regardless of cost. According to Bangladeshi media reports, the land for the mosque has already been set aside in line with the will, and construction is expected to begin within three days.

Mahbub Ali’s passing has left the cricketing community in mourning, with many remembering him not only for his contributions to Bangladesh cricket but also for his final act of charity and devotion.