Cricket has plenty of ways to get out. Bowled, LBW, caught behind you name it. But one of the rarest and most bizarre dismissals? “Timed out.” It happens when a batter doesn’t make it to the crease within the allowed time. It’s so rare that only a handful of cricketers have ever been given out this way.
Angelo Mathews’ Controversial Timed Out Dismissal
The most famous recent example? Angelo Mathews. The Sri Lankan all-rounder made headlines in the 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh when he was given out timed out. Fans and experts debated the call, adding to the drama of an already intense match.
Saud Shakeel Joins the Exclusive Club
Fast forward to 2025, and Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel became the latest cricketer to face this unusual fate. Playing in the President’s Cup Grade 1 tournament, Shakeel missed his turn at bat. The reason? Reports say he was asleep when his team needed him. By the time he got up and made his way to the crease, it was too late. The opposition appealed. The umpire had no choice out!
Cricketers Who Have Been Timed Out in First-Class Matches
Not many players have suffered this fate, but here’s a look at those who did:
1. Andrew Jordan (1987-88)
- The first recorded timed-out dismissal in cricket.
- Playing for Eastern Province against Transvaal in South Africa.
- Overnight flooding left him stranded in waterlogged streets. He never made it to the ground on time.
2. Hemulal Yadav (1997-98)
- Ranji Trophy match between Tripura and Orissa.
- Got caught up in a conversation with his team manager at the boundary.
- By the time he realized, it was too late. The opposition appealed, and he was gone.
3. Vasbert Drakes (2002)
- West Indian all-rounder playing for Border in South Africa.
- Flight delays from Colombo after the Champions Trophy.
- Arrived late. Given out before he could even pad up.
4. Andrew Harris (2003)
- English cricketer for Nottinghamshire vs. Durham.
- Suffered a groin injury and assumed he wouldn’t need to bat.
- A sudden batting collapse forced him in, but he took too long to arrive. Out!
5. Ryan Austin (2014)
- West Indian spinner for Combined Campuses and Colleges vs. Windward Islands.
- Took too long to walk in. Despite a stellar bowling performance, he was dismissed without facing a ball.
6. Charles Kunje (2017)
- Zimbabwean cricketer playing for Matabeleland Tuskers vs. Mountaineers.
- His team was struggling at 53/5.
- He failed to appear within the three-minute limit. The fielding side appealed, and he was out.
7. Saud Shakeel (2025)
- The latest addition to this exclusive club.
- Playing in the President’s Cup Grade 1 tournament.
- Reportedly asleep when it was his turn to bat. By the time he woke up and ran to the crease, the appeal had already been made.
Why Does Timed Out Happen?
It’s rare. It’s unusual. But when it happens, it’s usually due to one of these reasons:
- Late arrivals – Delayed flights, unexpected traffic, or being stuck somewhere.
- Miscommunication – Players not realizing it’s their turn to bat.
- Injuries – Assuming they won’t bat and then suddenly being called in.
- Unusual circumstances – Like being asleep (looking at you, Saud Shakeel!).
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