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.

Sri Lanka made the decision to cancel their training session in Delhi on a Saturday afternoon based on advice from their team doctors, primarily due to the severe air pollution in the city. In contrast, the Bangladesh team chose to train from 6 pm onwards on Saturday evening, after canceling their Friday practice session.

Upcoming World Cup League Match in Delhi

Both teams are gearing up to compete in their World Cup league match scheduled for Monday in Delhi.
As the air quality index (AQI) exceeded 400, an ICC spokesperson conveyed their commitment to the well-being of all participants and their efforts to monitor the air quality in Delhi. They emphasized their reliance on expert advice to assess the situation.

Given that the nearest air-quality measuring station is more than a kilometer away from the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the BCCI staff has resorted to handheld devices at the venue to monitor air quality. This practice will continue over the next two days to determine whether the air quality reaches a safe level for play.

According to ICC guidelines and consultations with a pulmonologist, an AQI reading below 200 is generally considered safe for play, although it serves as a guideline rather than a strict cutoff. To address the issue, organizers plan to activate sprinklers before play, aiming to lower pollution levels in the immediate vicinity. They will also recommend players remain inside their dressing rooms, where air purifiers will be in operation, rather than staying in the dugout.

The situation became more critical when an air emergency was declared in Delhi due to the AQI surpassing 400 in multiple areas of the city. This led to the government closing schools for two days and imposing restrictions on construction and vehicle traffic.

Several players in the Sri Lankan squad have prior experience playing cricket in the polluted air of Delhi. In late 2017, during a Test match at this venue, some players had to leave the field to vomit in the dressing room, while others required on-field medical attention for respiratory problems. At least five Sri Lankan fielders had to wear masks during the game.

In the lead-up to India’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma expressed his concerns about worsening air quality in Mumbai and across the country. He stressed the importance of ensuring that future generations can live in India without fear. In response, the BCCI announced the decision not to allow fireworks displays for the remaining games in Mumbai and Delhi due to the air-quality issue.