The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took the solemn decision to cancel two high-profile Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. This move came as a mark of respect following the passing of the country's former Prime Minister and prominent political figure, Begum Khaleda Zia.
A Nation in Mourning: Sporting Events Deferred
The BCB issued an official statement confirming the cancellation of the day's scheduled fixtures. The two matches affected were the clash between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, and the game between Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders. The board stated that the decision was made "in respect of the nation’s mourning" and assured fans that revised fixtures would be announced at a later, appropriate time.
In an earlier, more detailed communication, the BCB expressed profound sadness at the loss. The board remembered Khaleda Zia for her "constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in the country." It credited her tenure as Prime Minister for providing outstanding support that led to significant improvements in cricket infrastructure and the overall growth of the sport across Bangladesh.
Remembering Khaleda Zia: A Political Titan and Cricket Patron
Khaleda Zia, who made history as Bangladesh's first woman Prime Minister, passed away at 6 AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Her death was officially announced by her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), via a Facebook post. She was 80 years old at the time of her passing.
Zia served as the nation's Prime Minister three separate times: from 1991 to 1996, briefly again in 1996, and from 2001 to 2006. Her political legacy is marked by key economic and administrative reforms, as well as efforts to expand access to education. Her death occurs just weeks before the scheduled national polls on February 12 of the following year.
According to reports, the former leader had been battling several health issues, including advanced liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiac complications. She was admitted to the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23 and remained there until her demise.
Impact and the Way Forward for BPL 2026
The cancellation of the BPL matches underscores the deep impact of Khaleda Zia's death on all aspects of national life in Bangladesh, including sports. The Bangladesh Premier League, a major T20 tournament that draws significant domestic and international attention, paused its schedule in a unified gesture of mourning.
The BCB's statement emphasized that the board joins the entire country in grief and extended heartfelt condolences to Zia's family, supporters, and the nation. While cricket fans await the new schedule, the focus remains on the national loss. The board's acknowledgment of her contributions highlights the often-intertwined nature of sports development and political support in the region.
As Bangladesh observes a period of mourning, the sporting community, along with its citizens, reflects on the legacy of a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's modern political landscape and its sporting infrastructure.
