Angelo Mathews made history during Sri Lanka’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh in New Delhi on Monday as he became the first cricketer ever to be ‘timed out’ during an international match. The incident unfolded when Mathews, who was the new batter, failed to reach the crease within two minutes of the previous dismissal due to a broken helmet strap.
According to the rules of the Cricket World Cup, any new batter must reach the crease within two minutes of the dismissal. Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan seized the opportunity and appealed for Mathews’ dismissal, forcing the umpires to give him out. Despite Mathews’ attempts to argue his case, the umpires stood firm in their decision.
Frustrated by the turn of events, Mathews displayed his broken helmet while making his way to the dressing room. Once he reached the dugout, he threw away his helmet in anger, while his teammates and team staff tried to calm him down on his way to the Sri Lanka dressing room.
The incident created a buzz on social media, with many expressing surprise at the unusual dismissal. The MCC Rules state that the incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball within three minutes of the dismissal or retirement. However, this rule was modified to two minutes for the Cricket World Cup 2023.
This incident adds to the drama and excitement of the ongoing Cricket World Cup, where unexpected moments can change the course of a match. It highlights the importance of adhering to the strict rules and regulations of the game, as even a minor delay can have significant consequences for a player.
Overall, Mathews’ timed out dismissal will go down in cricketing history as a unique and rare occurrence, reminding players and fans alike of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
