Angelo Mathews Becomes First Player to be ‘Timed Out’ in International Cricket History

New Delhi: In an unprecedented turn of events during the 2023 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Angelo Mathews became the first player in international cricket history to be dismissed via a rare mode of dismissal – timed out.

The bizarre incident unfolded as Mathews walked out to bat with a damaged helmet strap. While he awaited a replacement, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan appealed, prompting the umpires to adjudge Mathews out.

Mathews had entered the field following the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who contributed 41 runs off 42 balls. The regulations governing such situations are outlined in both the MCC rulebook and the 2023 ODI World Cup Playing Conditions.

According to the MCC rulebook, the incoming batter must be prepared to receive the ball within three minutes of the preceding dismissal or retirement. However, in the context of the World Cup, this time limit is reduced to two minutes. Failure to comply with this requirement results in the player being declared out, Timed out.

Prior to this rare instance, this mode of dismissal had only occurred six times in any format, all within first-class cricket matches.