BPL 2025: BCB calls off Tuesday's matches following Khaleda Zia's death

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, have been postponed following the demise of Khaleda Zia, the nation’s former Prime Minister.

The development was announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) shortly after Zia’s death was confirmed, with the board calling off the fixtures merely two hours before the scheduled start of the day’s first game between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders were set to play the second match on Tuesday. The BCB will confirm the revised dates of the affected fixtures in due course.

"The BCB recalls with gratitude her [Zia's] constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in this country," a BCB statement said. "During her tenure as Prime Minister, she provided outstanding support for the development of cricket in Bangladesh, significantly contributing to improvements in cricket infrastructure and the sport's growth nationwide. Her vision and encouragement helped pave the way for many of the advancements the game enjoys 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."

Zia, Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister, served two terms at the office, from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006. The wife of former President of Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman, Zia, had also served as the chairperson and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by her husband, since 1984.

The BPL’s ongoing season commenced on December 26, with three matchdays completed so far. Given the multiple breaks between matches, the December 30 postponement is unlikely to affect the tournament.