The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially postponed BPL matches that were to take place today, Tuesday 30th December, due to the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
The announcement came shortly after the confirmation of the death of the ex-Prime Minister, hours before the toss of the opening match of the day.
The first matchup between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals, which was supposed to occur at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, was abandoned along with the second encounter between Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders.
Khaleda Zia’s Passing: A National Loss
She died on Tuesday morning at 6:00 am local time. Khaleda Zia was Prime Minister of Bangladesh for two terms, starting from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006; she was the first female Prime Minister of the country.
She was the widow of Ziaur Rahman, former President of Bangladesh, and had led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, BNP, as its chairperson since 1984.
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BCB Pays Tribute to Khaleda Zia’s Contribution to Cricket
The BCB was quoted in a statement expressing deep regard and appreciation for the involvement of Khaleda Zia with the development of cricket in Bangladesh.
“The BCB recalls with gratitude her constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in this country,” the statement said.
“During her tenure as Prime Minister, she provided exceptional support for cricket infrastructure and development, playing a key role in the nationwide growth of the sport.”
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The board recognized the important role her vision and inspiration played in the development of the game of cricket in Bangladesh.
BPL Matches to Be Rescheduled
The BCB announced that it will reschedule the two deferred BPL matches at a later date as a mark of respect during the days of national mourning.
“Further details on the revised fixtures will be communicated in due course,” the board added.
Impact on the BPL 2025-26 Season
The BPL 2025-26 season, which kicked off from December 26, has already completed three matches. The delay is less likely to disrupt the format of the matches due to multiple breaks that are already there in the schedule of BPL matches.
The rescheduling of the BPL matches that were supposed to happen on Tuesday is an indication of the nation’s collective reverence for the legacy that Begum Khaleda Zia has left behind. Her influence in both the politics of Bangladesh and the growth of the game of cricket in the country still matters.
