Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews becomes the first player to be given a ‘timed out’ in international cricket

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field against Sri Lanka at the Cricket World Cup on Monday as both teams, out of semifinal consideration, vie for a place at the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Angelo Mathews had come to the crease in the 25 over after the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was caught by Mahmudullah off Shakib Al Hasan for 41. The veteran Sri Lanka all-rounder appeared befuddled as Bangladesh appealed when he took time to sort an issue with his helmet.

After coming to the crease, Mathews signalled to the dressing room for a new helmet. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh team appealed for a “timed out” dismissal and the umpires upheld the appeal. Mathews had to walk back after Bangladesh did not withdraw the appeal.

‘Timed out’ dismissal – What ICC rule book says

According to ICC rules “after the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.”ICC rule book also says that the bowler does not get credit in case of a timed out dismissal.Bangladesh are ninth in the standings in the World Cup after six consecutive defeatse. Coach Chanidka Hathurusinghe believes his team’s dismal performance is due to below-par batting. The top seven teams at the World Cup will qualify for Champions Trophy in February.

Many netizens accused Bangladesh of not following the spirit of the game. “Bangladesh took their rivalry to bitter level now. Not against law of cricket but strap got cut on the pitch. That should have considered before giving out,” said an user on social media platform X.

Sri Lankan batsman Charith Asalanka who scored a hundred in the match also spoke about Mathews’ dismissal. “My point is that Mathews’ dismissal was not good for the spirit of cricket.,” he said.