Former Pakistani captains comment on Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup

The game’s most talked-about moment was the disastrous outing of veteran Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews. Controversy dogged Game 38 of the current ODI World Cup 2023. On Monday, November 6, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka took center stage at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

The 36-year-old lost some time when the strap on his helmet snapped just as he was ready to take charge at the middle overs crease. As a result, the strange incident sparked intense debate among pundits, with numerous former Pakistan captains joining the debate.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, appealed over the same, and Angelo Mathews was declared “timed out” without having to face a ball.

Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, and Misbah Ul Haq are not happy with Shakib Al Hasan’s appeal to get Angelo Mathews timed out because it’s against the spirit of the game.

Agree?

Video credit A Sports#Angelomatthews #BANvSL #ShakibAlHasan #BANvsSL pic.twitter.com/fCMiEEQGLO

— Tanveer Hassan (@tanveercric56_) November 6, 2023

In response to Angelo Mathews’ dismissal against Bangladesh, former Pakistani cricketer Misbah-Ul-Haq recently spoke out. He stated that while it is required by law for the batter to be ready, common sense should also be considered.

“I understand that the batter is legally required to be ready, but where is common sense when he tightens his helmet strap and breaks it?” In a post-match analysis on the A-Sports YouTube channel, Misbah-Ul-Haq stated this.

“Where was the competition’s spirit? There was nothing, he continued, “unless you are being mistreated or the batter is purposefully delaying, in which case your overs are getting delayed or the outcome of the match is altered.

I wouldn’t have filed an appeal: Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik, a former captain of Pakistan, also discussed the “time out” controversy involving Angelo Matthews while talking about the ODI World Cup 2023 match. Malik stated that he would not have appealed to remove Mathews if he had been in Shakib’s shoes during the game.

One of the field players allegedly gave Shakib the impression that he had run out of time. When Matthews’ helmet strap broke, the fielder hurried to his captain. Why took the fielder longer than two minutes to complete this? Consider it, Malik stated.

Although each captain has his or her own opinions, I wouldn’t have appealed if I had been the captain. Anyone can experience a helmet problem,” he said.

Remarkably, Wasim Akram, the former captain and legend of Pakistan, also weighed in, stating that, when considering the wider picture of the entire match, he would not have appealed either. He added that the circumstances and the team playing the match would be taken into account when making his choice.