BPL matches called off after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes Away

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to call off Tuesday's matches of the Bangladesh Premier League after Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia passed away in the morning.

Zia, a former Prime Minister, was battling issues and died at the age of 80, and amid the national mourning, BCB has called off the matches.

The decision from BCB came couple of hours before toss of the first match between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals. The other match of the day between Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders has also been postponed.

"The BCB recalls with gratitude her [Zia's] constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in this country. 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," a BCB statement wrote.

"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," it added.

Khaleda Zia was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and held her role twice.