The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made a swift decision on Tuesday, cancelling the day's double-header in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL 2025-26). This move came as a mark of respect following the death of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. The nation entered a period of mourning, prompting the immediate postponement of the two scheduled T20 matches.
Revised Fixture for Postponed Matches
According to reports, the two cancelled matches have been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 31. This date was originally a rest day in the BPL calendar. The first match, between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals, will now commence at 3 PM local time (2:30 PM IST), a shift from the original 1 PM start.
The evening fixture, featuring Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders, is set to begin at 8 PM local time (7:30 PM IST). The BCB, in an official post on social media platform X, stated that the revised fixtures would be announced in due course, confirming the cancellation as a gesture of national mourning.
A Nation in Mourning
The decision to halt the cricket league's proceedings stems from the passing of a major political figure. Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister, died at the age of 80 in the early hours of Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She had been undergoing treatment for multiple ailments at the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
Her condition was described as "extremely critical" by doctors just a day before her passing. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which she led, confirmed the news on Facebook, stating, "Our favourite leader is no longer with us. She left us at 6am this morning."
Impact on the BPL Season
The BPL 2025-26 season had kicked off on December 26. The cancelled matches were to be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The BCB's prompt action underscores the significant cultural and political moment for Bangladesh, where sporting events often adjust their schedules in response to national events of such magnitude.
Fans and teams now await the rescheduled games, which will compress the league's timeline slightly by utilizing the planned rest day. This ensures the tournament's continuity while honouring the period of national respect for the late former leader.
