In an unusual turn of events in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, national team batter Saud Shakeel was given out “Timed Out” during a match, after failing to arrive at the crease within the designated three-minute window. The incident took place during a fixture involving PTV, where Amad Butt, the opposition captain, seized the moment to appeal, forcing the umpires to enforce the rare dismissal.
How the Incident Unfolded
The controversy arose after Saud Shakeel, who was listed to bat at No. 5, failed to walk out to the middle within the stipulated time following an early batting collapse. With PTV sensing an opportunity to put pressure on their opponents, captain Amad Butt acted swiftly and lodged an appeal. According to the rules of the game, a new batter must take their position within three minutes of a wicket falling in most formats. Failure to do so gives the fielding side the right to appeal for a “Timed Out” dismissal.
The umpires, adhering strictly to the playing conditions, upheld the appeal, leading to Shakeel’s disqualification from the innings without facing a single delivery. The decision sparked heated discussions both on and off the field, as this type of dismissal is rarely seen in professional cricket.
Understanding the Timed Out Rule
The “Timed Out” rule is one of the least common modes of dismissal in cricket. According to Law 40.1 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, a batter must be ready to face the next delivery within a set timeframe (usually three minutes in international and domestic cricket, while T20 leagues sometimes reduce it to 90 seconds). If they fail to arrive on time and the opposition appeals, the batter is ruled out.
While this law exists to prevent unnecessary delays and maintain the pace of play, it is seldom enforced, as teams generally ensure that the next batter is ready. However, in this instance, the PTV team, led by Amad Butt, took full advantage of the situation.
Reactions and Controversy
The dismissal led to widespread debate, with many questioning whether it was in the spirit of the game. Some argued that Saud Shakeel’s disqualification was a harsh interpretation of the rule, while others defended PTV’s right to appeal as per the laws.
Former cricketers and analysts weighed in, with some suggesting that the umpires could have used discretion, especially in domestic cricket, where such incidents are rare. Others pointed out that professional players should always be prepared to take the field promptly and that Shakeel’s team was at fault for the delay.
A Lesson for Future Matches
Saud Shakeel’s “Timed Out” dismissal serves as a reminder for teams to stay vigilant and organized in their batting order. In modern cricket, where every advantage counts, opposition teams will not hesitate to use the rules to their benefit.
While such dismissals remain uncommon, this incident could prompt captains and coaches to be more cautious, ensuring that incoming batters are ready to take their place at the crease without unnecessary delays.