ICC hints at conflict with MCC after Angelo Mathews' dismissal during SL vs BAN CWC 2023 clash

A major controversy erupted during the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2023 ODI World Cup match when Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews became the first ever batsman to get timed out in international cricket. Mathews got out for a duck without facing a ball as he took a lot of time to change his broken helmet. However, this also sparked a debate that Mathews' dismissal was against the ‘spirit of cricket’. 

3 things you need to know 

• Sri Lanka posted 279 runs while batting first in the SL vs BAN CWC 2023 match
• Sri Lankan batter Charith Asalanka slammed his seventh ODI hundred 
• Bangladesh have only registered a single win in the CWC 2023 so far

ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka live updates

ICC clarifies its stand over ‘Timed out’ rule and it is different from what MCC states

As per the MCC rule book, which is known for making the official rules of cricket, states as per the rule number 40.1.1 and 40.1.2

After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out. In the event of an extended delay in which no batter comes to the wicket, the umpires shall adopt the procedure of Law 16.3 (Umpires awarding a match).  For the purposes of that Law the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the 3 minutes referred to above.

However, if look at the revised playing rules that were issued by ICC ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, they mentioned that a batter will be given out if he doesn't face a ball within two minutes after a ball is bowled. The ICC playing conditions states: 

After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out. In the event of an extended delay in which no batter comes to the wicket, the umpires shall adopt the procedure of clause 16.2 (ICC Match Referee awarding a match). For the purposes of that clause the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the 2 minutes referred to above. 

ALSO READ | WATCH: Angelo Mathews first international batter in history to be dismissed in bizarre fashion

Was Angelo Mathews dismissal against ‘spirit of cricket’? 

As per the rules, Angelo Mathews' dismissal was legitimate during the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh CWC 2023 match. However, Mathews walked on to the field with a broken helmet and was given out as he took much time to replace it. Though, Mathews could have played an important role if he would have had stayed at the crease and later become the reason behind Sri Lanka's win.