During a key match at the Cricket World Cup 2023, Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews faced an unusual situation. He was declared ‘timed out’ while playing against Bangladesh in Delhi. The incident occurred in the 25th over, when Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib al Hasan, bowled the second ball. Angelo Mathews came to the crease after a teammate was dismissed, but he soon realized he had the wrong helmet. He explained the situation to the Bangladesh players and the umpires.

A substitute from Sri Lanka eventually brought the correct helmet, but by that time, Bangladesh had already appealed for a ‘timed out.’ According to the MCC rules, after a wicket falls or a batter retires, the incoming batter must be ready to face the ball or for the other batter to face the next ball within 3 minutes. If this time limit is not met, the incoming batter is declared ‘timed out.’

However, in the Cricket World Cup 2023’s specific playing conditions, incoming batters are expected to be ready within 2 minutes. If they exceed this time limit, they are also declared ‘timed out.’

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold, who was providing commentary during the match, expressed that he had never seen such a situation before.