In certainly one of the most controversial and explosive press conferences, in recent times, Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews gave it back to Bangladesh’s captain Shakib Al Hasan as he expressed his frustration at the controversial “Timed Out” decision during the ODI World Cup clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The incident took place on the second ball of the 25th over, bowled by Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan. Sadeera Samarawickrama had just been dismissed and Angelo Mathews arrived at the crease after the fall of the 4th wicket.
However, soon there was some confusion as Mathews realized that he had brought the wrong helmet and asked his teammates and the umpires. However, Shakib Al Hasan appealed for “Time Out”. Angelo Mathews was absolutely livid after the dismissal and threw away his helmet in frustration right after going out of the field of play.
Angelo Mathews Slammed Shakib Al Hasan
Meanwhile, after the match, during the post-match press conference, Angelo Mathews fired shots as he slammed Shakib Al Hasan and the Bangladesh team for the controversial dismissal. He said:
“It was obviously disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh,” Mathews said. “If they want to take wickets like that and stoop down to that level, there’s something wrong, drastically.
“It’s very disappointing [the] way that Bangladesh played. If it was mankading or obstructing the field, there’s no issue. Within two minutes I was at the crease and it was when I was at the crease that my helmet [strap] broke. The umpires saw this. I still had five seconds left. After I showed my helmet, the umpires said [Bangladesh] had appealed. So I asked where common sense was because my two minutes hadn’t passed.
“I’ve got no words to explain it. In my 15 years of playing, I’ve never seen a team or a player stoop so low.
“Unfortunately [the strap breaking] happened against Bangladesh. I don’t think any other team would do that, because it was black and white. It was equipment malfunction. It was a safety issue as well. We know that without a helmet I can’t face the bowling.”
Mathews said his view of Shakib had changed in light of the controversy.
“Up to today, I had utmost respect for him and the Bangladesh team,” he said. “You all play to win. If it’s within the rules, it’s clearly fine. But in my incident today, within two minutes I was clearly there. We have video evidence and we’ll put out a statement later on. I’m not just coming and saying things here. I’m talking with proof. From the time the catch was taken to the time I walked into the crease I still had five seconds after breaking my helmet.”
Here’s What The Rule Says:
According to the MCC 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.”
The Cricket World Cup 2023 playing conditions pertaining to “timed out” dismissals reads: “40.1.1 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.”
“This is the first time I have ever witnessed something like this,”
