Bangladesh Premier League Matches Canceled Following Khaleda Zia's Death

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced the cancellation of Tuesday's Bangladesh Premier League matches in light of the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The BCB expressed gratitude for her significant contributions to the sport during her tenure. Zia, who died at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment, was a pivotal figure in the development of cricket in Bangladesh. The board plans to reschedule the matches and will provide updates on the new fixtures soon. This article delves into the impact of her legacy on cricket and the nation's mourning.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 12:03 IST

BCB Cancels Matches in Mourning

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to cancel the double-header matches scheduled for Tuesday in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia earlier that morning. This announcement came just hours before the first match, which was set to feature the Sylhet Titans against the Chattogram Royals at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second match of the day was to see the Dhaka Capitals face off against the Rangpur Riders later in the evening.

Tribute to Khaleda Zia

In a statement, the BCB expressed gratitude for Khaleda Zia's unwavering support for cricket in Bangladesh. "The BCB recalls with gratitude her constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in this country," the statement noted. It highlighted her significant contributions during her time as Prime Minister, which included enhancing cricket infrastructure and promoting the sport's growth across the nation. The board emphasized that her vision and encouragement were instrumental in the advancements seen in cricket today.

"In respect of the nation's mourning and in honour of Begum Khaleda Zia's legacy, the BCB announces that today's scheduled Bangladesh Premier League matches have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. Further details on the revised fixtures will be communicated in due course," the statement concluded.

Details on Khaleda Zia's Passing

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early this morning at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. According to a statement from the BNP shared on Facebook, she died around 6 am local time, shortly after the Fajr prayer. The statement read, "Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00 am, just after Fajr prayer. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul."

Zia had been hospitalized since November 23 due to a lung infection and had been battling several health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications. Earlier this month, she was sent to London for advanced medical treatment.

Following her passing, a large crowd gathered outside the hospital as her son, Tarique Rahman, who is also the Acting Chairman of the BNP, arrived to pay his respects.