Former Bangladesh cricketer Mazharul Haque died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Mazharul, 32, collapsed while playing badminton in his hometown of Narayanganj, and died by the time he reached the hospital.
One of his friends, Raju, had been with him at the time. He said that Mazharul had completed his evening exercise before getting ready to play badminton at nine ‘o’clock. “He was standing near the court where I was playing. Suddenly he collapsed… we took him to the hospital immediately, but the doctors declared him dead,” Raju said.
Mazharul played just one ODI, against Australia in the 2002 Champions Trophy. He played first-class cricket till 2004, after which he worked in several areas, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board, where he was the tournament manager. Most recently he had worked for an education website.
Known for his strong technique and powerful shots square of the wicket, Mazharul was one of the most talented batsmen of his generation. He was a hit in the age-group structure, as well as the Dhaka Premier League. He was one of the first Bangladeshi entrants in the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Australia in 1999.
Mazharul is survived by his wife and four-year old daughter.
