Bangladesh mourns the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, who died early this morning at 6:00 am. In respect for her memory, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that today’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fixtures have been cancelled.
In an official statement, the BCB cited the nation’s mourning and the need to honour Khaleda Zia’s legacy as the reason for the suspension of today’s two scheduled matches. The board confirmed that the rescheduled dates for these matches would be announced in due course.
According to the original schedule, the matches were set to take place at the Sylhet International Stadium as follows:
| Match | Venue | Scheduled Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sylhet Titans vs Chattogram Royals | Sylhet International Stadium | 1:00 pm |
| Dhaka Capitals vs Rangpur Riders | Sylhet International Stadium | 6:00 pm |
The BCB had previously expressed condolences upon hearing of Khaleda Zia’s passing, recognising her unwavering support for cricket in Bangladesh. Her tenure as Prime Minister saw significant contributions to the development of the sport, including the enhancement of cricketing infrastructure and the expansion of the game across the country.
The statement highlighted that Khaleda Zia’s foresight and encouragement were instrumental in paving the way for Bangladesh’s cricketing success and growth. Her commitment to sports development extended beyond political duties, leaving a lasting legacy in national cricket.
Former national team captain Tamim Iqbal also paid tribute on his verified Facebook page, describing her demise as “the loss of a symbol of steadfast leadership for the nation.” Many in the cricketing fraternity and across the country have echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging her contributions to both the nation and its beloved sport.
As Bangladesh grapples with this national loss, the BPL’s temporary suspension serves as a mark of respect for a leader whose influence extended beyond politics and deeply into the realm of sports.