“Disgraceful act from Shakib and Bangladesh” – Angelo Mathews opens on his ‘timed out’ dismissal against Bangladesh in 2023 World Cup.
In a recent 2023 World Cup encounter between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews found himself at the center of controversy due to a rare and contentious incident. The 36-year-old cricketer was left deeply disappointed after being dismissed without facing a single ball, prompting him to label the actions of Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and his team as disgraceful.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Mathews said “I have done nothing wrong. It’s a disgraceful act from Shakib and Bangladesh. There was no common sense at that moment. This is the lowest an opposition team stooped to in my 15-year international career.”
The incident in question revolved around a seemingly trivial but ultimately decisive moment in the match. Mathews had walked out to the crease with the incorrect helmet, realizing his mistake, and subsequently requested the correct helmet. However, this seemingly minor delay, during which Mathews spent a little over three minutes making the necessary equipment change, ultimately led to the controversial dismissal of “timed out”
It was at this juncture that Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan decided to appeal for a timed out wicket, a rare and contentious form of dismissal in cricket. Mathews, realizing the gravity of the situation, pleaded with both Shakib and the umpires to withdraw the appeal, but the Bangladesh captain remained resolute in his decision. As a result, Mathews found himself departing the field without even having had the opportunity to face a single delivery.
Understandably, Mathews was livid with himself for the situation that had unfolded, a sentiment that was evident when he later dismissed Shakib and bid him farewell with a wristwatch gesture. This gesture was symbolic of his frustration and disappointment with the timed out dismissal.
Despite Mathews’ spirited effort, Bangladesh managed to secure a narrow three-wicket victory in the match, keeping their hopes alive for automatic selection for the 2025 Champions Trophy by finishing in the top seven.