The BPL match has been cancelled due to the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh is in mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away early this morning at 6:00 am. In a mark of respect for her legacy, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that today’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches will not take place.

A BCB statement cited the nation’s grief and the need to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia as the primary reason for the cancellations. The board confirmed that the two postponed matches will be rescheduled, with the revised dates to be announced in due course.

According to the original schedule, the matches were set to take place at the Sylhet International Stadium as follows:

Earlier, the BCB expressed deep condolences on the passing of Khaleda Zia, recognising her longstanding support for cricket in Bangladesh. The board acknowledged her pivotal role in promoting the sport nationwide and in advancing cricketing infrastructure throughout the country.

During her tenure as Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia was noted for her unwavering commitment to developing cricket facilities, enabling the growth of the game from grassroots to the professional level. Her vision and encouragement helped pave the way for the national team’s successes and for the overall progression of Bangladesh cricket.

Renowned former national captain Tamim Iqbal also expressed his grief on his verified Facebook page, writing, “With her passing, the nation has lost a symbol of steadfast leadership.” His tribute reflects the widespread respect she commanded across various sectors, including sports, politics, and social development.

As Bangladesh comes to terms with this profound loss, the cricketing community joins the nation in honouring Khaleda Zia’s contributions and legacy. The rescheduled BPL matches are eagerly awaited, yet today, the focus remains on paying homage to a leader whose influence extended far beyond politics into the cultural and sporting life of the country.