 "Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel became the first Pakistani cricketer to be dismissed 'Timed Out' in cricket. Reuters")
Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel joined former Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews in the list of cricketers getting ‘Timed Out’ – a rare dismissal in cricket where a batter is adjudged out for failing to arrive at the crease in time to face a delivery. However, Shakeel’s dismissal, however, was considerably more bizarre than that of Mathews, which had happened in the 2023 ICC World Cup in India.
Shakeel was representing State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) against Pakistan Television (PTV) in the President’s Cup Grade 1 First-Class tournament on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, batting at No 5, and failed to show up at the crease after a couple of wickets fell in quick succession as he had reportedly fallen asleep.
Other reports claimed Shakeel was in the bathroom for too long, and couldn’t show up on time as a result.
Batters are allotted a total of three minutes to make their way to the centre and get into their stance to indicate that they are ready to face a delivery.
Noticing Shakeel’s absence, PTV captain Amad Butt appealed for timed out and the umpires promptly ruled it in favour of the fielding team.
Shakeel becomes only ninth cricketer to get ‘Timed Out’ in cricket
Shakeel thus became the ninth cricketer to be at the receiving end of the rare dismissal, and the first Pakistani. Former South African cricketer Andrew Jordaan was the first ever cricketer to be ‘Timed Out’ during a First-Class match in Gqeberha in February 1988.
Mathews had become the first cricketer to be dismissed ‘Timed Out’ in international cricket during the 2023 ICC World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in New Delhi.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMathews had arrived at the crease on time, but couldn’t get himself ready for his first delivery due to a broken helmet strap. As he signalled the Sri Lankan dressing room for a change of helmet, opposition captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed for the dismissal, and the umpires ruled in their favour.
The incident had led to a major controversy in the World Cup and added even more spice to the fierce rivalry between the two teams.
Before his unfortunate dismissal on Tuesday, Shakeel top-scored for Pakistan in their Champions Trophy Group A match against India in Dubai on Sunday, 23 February. Shakeel had scored 62 off 76 and shared a third-wicket stand with captain Mohammad Rizwan that was worth 104.
Pakistan, however, would go on to l ose the match by six wickets after getting bowled out for 241 , and would eventually suffer a first-round exit from the tournament.