Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan, in response to queries about the spirit of cricket following Angelo Mathews' timed-out dismissal, suggested that the ICC should consider changing the rules. This is the first-ever occurrence of the 'timed out' rule in international cricket during the clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, November 7.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Shakib was asked about the sportsmanship aspect, and he recommended a potential change of the rules by the ICC in such instances. Mathews was sent back to the pavilion without even facing a single delivery, marking the first-ever timed-out dismissal in international cricket.
"Well, then ICC should look into it and change the rules," said Shakib.
Shakib further emphasised that he is usually careful about such scenarios, which is why he does not let such incidents take place with him. He said, "I'll be careful. It doesn't happen to me."
Shakib then shed light on the incident and narrated, "One of our fielders apprised me of the clause, stating that he's out if he doesn't take his guard within the designated time frame. So, I made the appeal to the umpires. They inquired if I intended to retract the appeal. I affirmed my stance, refusing to call him back."
The Sri Lankan veteran batter Mathews, batting in the sixth position, felt his helmet strap break, which caused him to exceed the stipulated time to receive the ball, which is two minutes. This forced the Bangladesh players to lodge an appeal, prompting a discussion between the on-field umpires, Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth, leading to Mathews' dismissal.
Many sympathised with Angelo Mathews after this incident, but fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock believes that the batter should have all the proper equipment ready when on the field, instead of wasting time.
"As a batter, you need to make sure that you have all your equipment in place. You have to be ready to receive the ball within two minutes. So technically, you should be there within maybe 50 seconds to make sure all those things are in place before you actually receive the ball," concluded the fourth umpire.
Following the incident, Bangladesh secured a victory by three wickets, propelling them ahead of Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 points table.
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