Angelo Mathews Provides ‘Proof’ to Dispute Umpire’s Decision in Timed Out Controversy

Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews found himself at the center of a controversial dismissal during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh on Tuesday. Mathews was given out ‘timed out’ after he failed to reach the crease within two minutes of Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal. This decision left Mathews frustrated and angry, as he believed he had made it to the crease within the stipulated time.

After the match, Mathews shared video evidence countering the fourth umpire’s explanation of the dismissal. He stated that he still had five seconds left on the timer even after his helmet strap came off, contradicting the umpire’s decision. Mathews took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dissatisfaction, urging the fourth umpire to rectify the situation. He emphasized the importance of safety and stated that he couldn’t face the bowler without a helmet.

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold pointed out the ICC playing conditions, which state that the batter should be ready to face the delivery within two minutes. In response, Mathews argued that he couldn’t be ready due to an issue with his helmet, not because he was late.

Further support for Mathews came from a still image captured by the broadcaster, which showed that he had reached the crease within the two-minute timeline.

When asked about the incident, the fourth umpire suggested that Mathews had already exceeded the two-minute limit before the helmet issue occurred. However, Mathews maintained that this was not the case and stated that he had video evidence to support his claim. He expressed his intention to release a statement with the evidence.

In the post-match press conference, Mathews reiterated his stance, emphasizing that he had the proof to back his claims. He highlighted the video evidence, which showed that he had reached the crease with five seconds to spare, even after his helmet had come off. Mathews also raised concerns about player safety, questioning whether it was reasonable for him to take his guard without a helmet.

The incident has sparked a debate over the interpretation of the rules and the role of technology in decision-making. Mathews’ dismissal has once again highlighted the need for clear and consistent guidelines to avoid such controversies in the future.

The Sri Lankan team’s defeat, coupled with the contentious dismissal, has left Mathews and his teammates disappointed. However, they remain determined to bounce back and make a strong comeback in the tournament.

Topics mentioned in this article: Angelo Mathews, Cricket World Cup 2023, Sri Lanka cricket team, Bangladesh cricket team