Angelo Mathews given Timed Out in WC 2023; Why didn’t MCC’s 3-minute rule apply to Sri Lankan all-rounder? Explainer 

The 2023 ODI World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh witnessed a bizarre controversial incident, but a world record. Lankan experienced campaigner Angelo Mathews became the first player in history to be ‘Timed Out’. This has only happened in first-class cricket before, so it may come as a surprise to many cricket fans.

The incident took place in the 25th over of first-innings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday, November 6. The incoming batter Mathews was late to enter the field and start the game. Following this, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed for the wicket and the on-field umpires had little to do but raise his index finger.

But what does the rule book say? Only the two-minute rule was applied in Mathews’ case although the MCC rulebook pins the time at three minutes. This has created a lot of confusion among cricket fans and it is not surprising if the players feel the same way. In this article, we will give you an accurate picture of what happened.

According to the MCC rulebook, after the fall of a wicket or the batter gets retired or hurt, the incoming batter must be at the crease within 3 minutes.

“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,” states the MCC rulebook.

But the 3-minute rule didn’t apply to Mathews in today’s match. The Playing Conditions for the 2023 ODI World Cup state that a batter must be ready to play within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement.

“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 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out,” the statement says.

Mathews’ dismissal certainly gives rise to the ‘spirit of the game’ debate

If the new batter fails to meet the allotted time, he can be given Timed out unless the opposing team withdraws the appeal. Mathews was seen explaining the situation to Shakib but the all-rounder decided to uphold the decision. Mathews had to walk back to the dugout without facing a single delivery.

The 35-year-old walked into the middle after the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made a 42-ball 41, in the second ball of the 25th over. He took time to get on the field at first, and his start was further delayed by a broken helmet strap. The replacement took time and it annoyed the umpires and the Bangladesh team.