Cricket Timed Out Rule and Controversy against Angelo Mathews

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 07-02-2025

Cricket Timed Out Rule and Controversy against Angelo Mathews

Sport 5 min read

Angelo Mathews' displeasure resulted in the 2023 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh being down in history. Angelo Mathews, a senior Sri Lanka all-rounder, has been the first player in men's or women's international cricket to be removed using the "timed out" rule. Angelo Mathews, a Sri Lankan batsman, was given out against Bangladesh due to the peculiar laws of cricket. He became the first batter in international cricket history to be timed out during a crucial World Cup 2023 match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement shortly after the expulsion, emphasising the tournament's playing conditions in relation to the dismissal.

Background

After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bowl first.
In the World Cup encounter against Bangladesh, he entered to bat but was out without playing the ball and retreated to the pavilion.
Mathews went in after Sadeera Samarawickrama's wicket, but he took his time.
When he arrived at the crease, he appeared to be about to take guard when he noticed that the strap on his helmet was broken.
Mathews actually wanted to adjust the strap on his helmet before batting.
During this attempt, the strap snapped.
Mathews then signalled for a replacement helmet in the Sri Lankan dressing room.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan requested a break.
According to the regulations, the umpires ruled Mathews out. With this, Mathews became the first batter in international cricket to be timed out.

What is the Time Out rule?

While the time-out is one of the sport's oldest laws and has even been used on rare occasions in domestic cricket throughout the world.
It is also in the rule book of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the sport's governing body.
After a wicket falls or a batsman retires, the next batsman or second batsman at the crease must be ready to play the following ball within 3 minutes.
If this is not feasible, the person who is about to bat will be timed out.

What is the Timeout issue?

In the history of international cricket, this is the first time a batsman has been removed in this manner.
The purpose of the time out rule in cricket is to keep the game running smoothly.
If a player causes unnecessary delays or fails to maintain discipline, disciplinary action may be taken against him.
He should get on the pitch as soon as his friend is out.
No one has ever been barred from playing international cricket because of this regulation.
However, in the World Cup 2023, Bangladesh captain Shakib not only appealed against Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews, but also killed him.
The event that occurred during the World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh stained cricket.
Because the delay was unintentional, Shakib is now the subject of critics.
Sri Lanka were finally dismissed for 279 runs in 49.3 overs, with Charith Asalanka hitting 108 off 105 balls.

FAQ

Answer1 Mathews came into bat when Sadeera Samarawickrama fell in the 25th over, but was unable to lock his helmet snugly enough due to a broken chinstrap.

Answer2. The sport's governing body is Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Answer3.. Angelo Mathews is a Sri Lankan batsman.

Answer4. Sri Lanka were finally dismissed for 279 runs in 49.3 overs, with Charith Asalanka hitting 108 off 105 balls.