Guide

The third umpire in cricket helps on-field umpires make accurate decisions using television replays and approved technology. From close run-outs to disputed catches and LBW appeals, the third umpire examines incidents under the applicable playing conditions.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) sets out the rules governing third-umpire referrals, the Decision Review System (DRS) and the technology available during international matches. These rules also explain how player reviews work and what happens when the evidence is inconclusive.

What Is a Third Umpire in Cricket?

A third umpire is a match official who reviews specific incidents using television replays and, when available, approved decision-review technology. The official usually works in a designated room with access to camera footage and communication equipment.

The third umpire supports the two on-field umpires, who remain responsible for controlling the match on the field. The third umpire can examine referrals initiated by on-field umpires and player reviews requested under DRS.

The official also checks front-foot no-balls and reviews called short runs under ICC international playing conditions.

History of the Third Umpire in Cricket

A major milestone in third-umpire history occurred on 14 November 1992, during the first Test between South Africa and India at Kingsmead in Durban.

Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to be given out through a television-replay decision in international cricket. He was run out for 11 while attempting a risky single.

Jonty Rhodes was fielding at point and fielded the ball before throwing it towards the wicket, where Andrew Hudson broke the stumps. Tendulkar had been sent back by the non-striker, Ravi Shastri.

Square-leg umpire Cyril Mitchley referred the decision to third umpire Karl Liebenberg, who examined the television replay and confirmed the run-out.

The incident took place during India’s first tour of South Africa after the country returned to international cricket following the end of apartheid-era sporting isolation. The decision marked an important development in the use of television technology in cricket officiating.

Over time, the role expanded with the introduction of the Decision Review System and technologies such as Hawk-Eye and UltraEdge.

Role and Responsibilities of the Third Umpire

The third umpire examines eligible incidents and provides the findings required under the applicable playing conditions.

1. Reviewing Run-Out Decisions

Run-outs are among the most familiar incidents referred to the third umpire. The official examines camera angles to determine whether the batter was in their ground when the wicket was broken.

If the evidence shows that the batter had not made their ground in time, the batter can be given out. Otherwise, the batter is not out.

2. Checking Stumping Decisions

For a stumping decision, the third umpire checks whether the striker was out of their ground when the wicketkeeper legally put down the wicket.

The official also checks the relevant footage to determine whether the dismissal satisfies the Laws of Cricket.

3. Examining Catches

The third umpire reviews disputed catches to determine whether the ball touched the ground before the fielder completed the catch and whether the fielder maintained control.

The official can also examine whether the batter hit the ball and whether the delivery was a no-ball when the applicable procedure requires those checks.

The soft signal was abolished in international cricket effective 1 June 2023. On-field umpires no longer need to give an initial out or not-out signal when referring a catch to the TV umpire. The on-field umpires consult the TV umpire before the decision is made.

The change followed recommendations from the Men’s Cricket Committee led by Sourav Ganguly and endorsed by the Women’s Cricket Committee. Ganguly explained that soft signals were unnecessary and could cause confusion when replays were inconclusive.

The IPL had already removed soft signals for the 2021 season, two years before the international change.

4. Reviewing Boundary Decisions

The third umpire examines whether a four or six has been scored and whether a fielder touched the boundary while in contact with the ball.

Camera replays help determine whether the ball or fielder crossed the boundary in a way that affects the result.

5. Assisting With Other Dismissals

The third umpire can examine other dismissal-related incidents when the playing conditions permit a referral. These include certain caught decisions, obstructing the field and other incidents covered by the relevant review procedure.

6. Checking Front-Foot No-Balls

In international cricket, the third umpire checks the bowler’s front-foot landing using television replays. If the delivery is illegal because the front foot does not meet the requirements of the playing conditions, the third umpire informs the on-field umpire, who calls and signals no-ball.

This check helps identify overstepping that may be difficult to spot in real time.

7. Reviewing Short Runs

The third umpire automatically reviews a short-run call under ICC Test and T20I playing conditions. The official communicates the findings to the relevant on-field umpire, allowing an incorrect call to be corrected before play proceeds.

8. Acting as the Emergency On-Field Umpire

The third umpire has another defined responsibility: acting as the emergency on-field umpire if one of the two on-field umpires cannot continue, in accordance with the applicable playing conditions.

Which Decisions Can the Third Umpire Review?

Decision or incident	What the third umpire examines
Run-out	Whether the batter was in their ground when the wicket was broken
Stumping	Whether the batter was out of their ground and the wicket was put down legally
Caught	Whether the catch was completed fairly and the ball carried before touching the ground
Boundary decision	Whether the ball or fielder touched the boundary
LBW	The point of pitching, impact and projected path of the ball when DRS is available
Bat or pad contact	Whether the ball hit the bat before hitting the batter’s body
Front-foot no-ball	Whether the bowler’s front foot landed legally
Short run	Whether the called short run was correctly identified
Other dismissal incidents	Whether the applicable playing conditions permit the referral

Not every decision can be reviewed automatically. The available procedures depend on the competition and its playing conditions.

How Does the Decision Review System Work?

Source Image: Hindustan Times

The Decision Review System allows match officials to use approved technology to examine certain decisions. The ICC distinguishes between an Umpire Review, initiated by an on-field umpire, and a Player Review, requested by a team.

Umpire Review

An on-field umpire may refer an eligible incident to the third umpire when additional evidence is required. A close run-out is a common example.

The third umpire examines the permitted footage and communicates the findings to the on-field umpire, who completes the decision under the applicable playing conditions.

Player Review

A Player Review allows a team to challenge an eligible on-field decision when DRS is available. For example, a team may request a review of an LBW decision.

The player or captain must make the prescribed T-sign within 15 seconds after the ball becomes dead. The on-field umpire can prompt the player after 10 seconds if a review has not been requested.

Under the current ICC Men’s Test playing conditions effective October 2026, each team may make up to three unsuccessful Player Review requests per innings. Under the current ICC Men’s T20I playing conditions, each team may make up to two unsuccessful requests per innings. Successful reviews do not count towards these limits.

An LBW review resulting in Umpire’s Call also does not count towards the innings limit under these playing conditions.

What Technology Does the Third Umpire Use?

The technology available depends on the competition and the type of review.

Hawk-Eye

Hawk-Eye provides ball-tracking technology. During an eligible LBW review, it helps the third umpire assess where the ball pitched, where it struck the batter and whether it would have hit the stumps.

These three elements are commonly described as pitching, impact and wicket.

UltraEdge

UltraEdge is an approved sound-based edge-detection system used to help determine whether the ball made contact with the bat.

The third umpire examines the synchronized video and audio graph. A sharp audio spike around the moment the ball passes the bat can indicate contact. The official also checks the ball’s position in the video and considers other available evidence.

Snickometer

Snickometer is another name associated with sound-based edge detection. It helps officials investigate possible contact between the ball and bat.

Hot Spot

Hot Spot uses heat-based imaging to help identify contact between the ball and the bat or other equipment. A visible heat mark can provide evidence of contact, although the third umpire must consider the complete available evidence.

Television Replays and Slow Motion

Multiple camera angles and slow-motion footage help the third umpire examine run-outs, stumpings, catches and boundary decisions.

In a match without DRS, the third umpire has access to camera replays only. Ball-tracking and edge-detection systems such as Hawk-Eye and UltraEdge are not available as DRS review tools in such a match.

Not every competition uses every technology. The equipment and procedures depend on the applicable playing conditions.

What Happens When the Evidence Is Inconclusive?

The third umpire must follow the applicable review procedure when the available evidence is inconclusive.

For a referred catch, the soft signal no longer determines the outcome in international cricket. The third umpire examines the available footage and makes the decision under the current procedure.

For a DRS review, if the evidence does not establish that the original on-field decision should be changed, the original decision stands. In an LBW review, Umpire’s Call means that the on-field decision remains unchanged because the ball-tracking result falls within the specified marginal range.

A technical failure is different from inconclusive evidence. The ICC playing conditions provide separate procedures for dealing with failures of review technology.

Third Umpire vs On-Field Umpire

Feature	On-field umpire	Third umpire
Main location	On the cricket field	Designated review room
Primary role	Controls the match and makes on-field decisions	Examines eligible referrals and reviews
Main evidence	Direct observation of play	Television replays and approved technology
Player reviews	Receives appeals and signals the review	Examines the evidence and communicates findings
Front-foot checks	Receives the no-ball information and signals the decision	Checks front-foot landing using television replays
Short-run checks	Calls and signals the short run	Reviews the call and communicates the findings
Emergency responsibility	Continues on-field duties while able	Can act as the emergency on-field umpire if required

Both officials are part of the match officiating team. The third umpire supports on-field decision-making and operates within the authority defined by the playing conditions.

What Powers Does the Third Umpire Have?

The third umpire can examine eligible referrals, use permitted footage and technology, and communicate the findings needed to resolve a decision.

The official can help correct run-out, stumping, catch and boundary decisions, check front-foot no-balls, review short-run calls and examine eligible DRS appeals.

The third umpire cannot independently reopen every incident simply because television footage exists. The official must follow the relevant review procedure and the technology permitted for that match.

In a match without DRS, the third umpire’s work is limited to the television-replay procedures available under that competition’s playing conditions.

Why Is the Third Umpire Important in Cricket?

The third umpire helps reduce errors in decisions that are difficult to make in real time. This is particularly important for close run-outs, stumpings, boundary catches and LBW appeals.

Technology gives officials additional evidence that may not be visible at normal speed. It also helps them review front-foot no-balls and correct short-run calls.

However, technology does not eliminate every disagreement. The available camera angles may be limited, evidence may be inconclusive, and some decisions still require interpretation of the Laws of Cricket.

Conclusion

The third umpire is an important part of modern cricket officiating. By examining close run-outs, stumpings, catches, boundary incidents and eligible DRS appeals, the official helps match officials make more accurate decisions.

The role also includes checking front-foot no-balls, reviewing short-run calls and acting as the emergency on-field umpire when required. The abolition of the soft signal in international cricket in 2023 changed how referred catches are decided.

Understanding the third umpire’s responsibilities, the technology used and the rules governing reviews helps spectators follow cricket decisions more clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

A free hit gives a batter an opportunity to attack without worrying about most conventional dismissals. Yet one question often confuses cricket fans: Can you be stumped on a free hit?

The answer is no. Under the ICC Men’s ODI and T20I playing conditions, a batter cannot be dismissed stumped on a free hit. Even if the batter steps out of the crease, misses the ball and the wicketkeeper removes the bails, stumping is not a permitted method of dismissal.

However, a free hit does not make the batter completely safe. Run out, hitting the ball twice and obstructing the field remain possible methods of dismissal.

What Is a Free Hit in Cricket?

A free hit is a delivery awarded after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket. Under Clause 21.19 of the ICC playing conditions, the delivery following a no-ball is a free hit.

The batter is protected from most conventional dismissals, including bowled, caught, LBW, stumped and hit wicket. If the free-hit delivery is itself a no-ball or a wide, the next delivery is also a free hit.

Can You Be Stumped on a Free Hit?

No, a batter cannot be dismissed stumped on a free hit.

Under Clause 21.19.2 of the ICC Men’s ODI and T20I playing conditions, the striker can be dismissed only in circumstances that apply to a no-ball, even if the free-hit delivery is called wide.

The three permitted methods of dismissal are:

• Run out
• Hitting the ball twice
• Obstructing the field

Stumping is not included in this list.

Consider the following example.

A spinner delivers a free hit. The batter advances down the pitch to hit the ball over the boundary but misses it. The wicketkeeper collects the ball and breaks the stumps while the batter remains outside the crease.

On a normal legal delivery, the batter could be dismissed stumped if the requirements of the stumping law were satisfied. On a free hit, however, the batter cannot be given out stumped.

The wicketkeeper may remove the bails, but that action does not make the batter out under the stumping law. Leaving the crease does not automatically result in a dismissal.

Why Is Stumping Not Allowed on a Free Hit?

Clause 21.18 of the ICC Men’s ODI playing conditions states that, when a no-ball has been called, neither batter can be dismissed except through hitting the ball twice, obstructing the field or run out. Clause 21.19 extends these restrictions to a free hit.

Under the ordinary stumping law, the striker can be dismissed stumped when the delivery is not a no-ball, the striker is outside their ground, no run is being attempted, and the wicketkeeper fairly breaks the wicket without the intervention of another fielder.

However, stumping is not one of the permitted dismissals on a free hit. The wicketkeeper therefore cannot use the ordinary stumping rule to dismiss the striker on that delivery.

This protection does not remove every risk associated with playing the ball. A batter can still be dismissed through the three methods permitted under the free-hit rule.

Which Dismissals Are Allowed on a Free Hit?

The free-hit rule permits three methods of dismissal. The following table summarises which dismissals are allowed under the ICC ODI and T20I playing conditions.

Dismissal method	Allowed on a free hit?	Explanation
Bowled	No	The batter cannot be dismissed bowled off the free-hit delivery.
Caught	No	A catch does not dismiss the batter on a free hit.
LBW	No	The batter cannot be given out leg before wicket.
Stumped	No	Stumping is not a permitted method of dismissal.
Hit wicket	No	The batter cannot be dismissed hit wicket off the free-hit delivery.
Run out	Yes	A batter can be run out when the Run Out law permits the dismissal.
Hitting the ball twice	Yes	The batter can be dismissed under the relevant law.
Obstructing the field	Yes	The batter can be dismissed if their actions meet the requirements of the law.

The table concerns dismissals of the striker off the free-hit delivery. The non-striker can also be run out when the Run Out law permits the dismissal.

Can a Batter Be Run Out on a Free Hit?

Yes. A batter can be run out on a free hit when the requirements of the Run Out law are satisfied.

A free hit does not protect a batter who is attempting a run and fails to make their ground.

Imagine that the batter hits the ball towards a fielder and attempts a quick single. The fielder throws the ball towards the wicketkeeper, who breaks the stumps before the batter makes their ground.

If the requirements of the Run Out law are satisfied, the batter can be given out. The crucial distinction is the method of dismissal: stumping is not permitted on a free hit, but a valid run out remains possible.

Can the Wicketkeeper Run Out a Batter on a Free Hit?

Yes, a wicketkeeper can run out a batter on a free hit when the Run Out law permits the dismissal. There are three important situations.

1. The Batter Is Attempting a Run

Yes, the batter can be run out.

If the batter attempts a run and fails to make their ground before the wicketkeeper fairly breaks the wicket, the batter can be given out run out, provided the requirements of the law are satisfied.

2. Another Fielder Is Involved

Yes, a run out may be possible.

If another fielder intervenes before the wicketkeeper breaks the wicket, the specific exception in Clause 38.2.2.2 does not apply. A run out may be valid if the other requirements of the law are satisfied.

3. The Batter Is Not Running and the Wicketkeeper Acts Alone

No, the batter is not out run out.

Clause 38.2.2.2 states that the striker is not out run out when a no-ball has been called, the striker is outside their ground and is not attempting a run, and the wicketkeeper alone fairly puts down the wicket without the intervention of another fielder.

On a free hit, a batter who wanders down the pitch, is not attempting a run and has the bails removed by the wicketkeeper alone is not out at all.

The batter cannot be given out stumped because the free-hit rule prohibits that dismissal. The batter also cannot be given out run out because Clause 38.2.2.2 specifically protects them in these circumstances. The MCC’s worked ruling on this scenario reaches both conclusions.

Can You Be Stumped on a Free Hit If the Ball Is Wide?

No. A wide call on a free hit does not make stumping possible.

Under Clause 21.19.2 of the ICC Men’s ODI and T20I playing conditions, the striker can be dismissed only in circumstances that apply to a no-ball, even when the free-hit delivery is called wide.

Suppose the bowler delivers the free hit well outside the batter’s reach. The batter moves down the pitch, misses the ball, and the wicketkeeper breaks the stumps.

The striker cannot be dismissed stumped. Under Clause 21.19.1, a wide on a free-hit delivery means that the next delivery is also a free hit.

What Happens If the Batter Is Bowled on a Free Hit?

The batter is not out bowled if the ball hits the stumps on a free hit. The ball can remain in play, allowing the batting side to score runs.

A famous example occurred during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 23 October 2022.

Virat Kohli was bowled by Mohammad Nawaz on a free hit. The ball deflected off the stumps and ran away, allowing Kohli and Dinesh Karthik to complete three byes. India won the match by four wickets.

The incident demonstrated why a batter can survive a delivery that would normally result in a bowled dismissal.

Why Kohli Was Safe From Both Bowled and Run Out

Kohli could not be dismissed bowled because bowled is not a permitted method of dismissal on a free hit.

Clause 38.2.1.2 also states that the striker is not out run out if the ball delivered by the bowler has not touched a fielder before the wicket is fairly broken. In Kohli’s incident, the ball hit the stumps without first touching a fielder. He was therefore safe from both bowled and run out.

How Are Runs Scored When the Ball Hits the Stumps on a Free Hit?

The ICC changed its playing conditions effective from 1 June 2023. Under the revised rule, runs scored off a free hit when the ball hits the stumps count as team runs.

Kohli’s three byes occurred in October 2022, before this change took effect. The incident must therefore be described under the scoring rules that applied at the time. The revised rule applies to matches played under the updated conditions; it does not mean those runs are credited to the batter’s individual score.

Conclusion

A batter cannot be stumped on a free hit because the free-hit rule restricts dismissals to those permitted following a no-ball. Stumping, bowled, caught, LBW and hit wicket are not permitted methods of dismissal on that delivery.

However, a batter can still be dismissed run out, for hitting the ball twice or for obstructing the field.

Under Clause 38.2.2.2, a striker who is outside their ground, is not attempting a run and has the wicket broken by the wicketkeeper alone after a no-ball has been called is not out run out. The batter cannot be stumped either, so they remain not out.

Clause 38.2.1.2 also protects the striker from a run-out dismissal when the delivery itself breaks the wicket without first touching a fielder.

The key point is simple: on a free hit, a batter cannot be stumped, and in the specific circumstances covered by Clause 38.2.2.2, the batter cannot be given out run out either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Timed out in cricket is one of the rarest ways a batter can lose a wicket. Unlike bowled, caught or LBW, this dismissal can happen before a batter faces a single delivery. The rule requires an incoming batter to be ready within a specified time after the previous wicket falls or a batter retires.

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews made international cricket history when Bangladesh dismissed him timed out during the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He became the first batter to be dismissed this way in international cricket. In June 2026, Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden became the first woman to be dismissed by time-out in international cricket.

Several domestic players had experienced the same dismissal over the preceding decades. Their cases show how delays between wickets can lead to unusual outcomes.

This overview explains the timed-out rule in cricket, the official time limits, 10 notable documented cases and the history behind these rare dismissals.

What Is Timed Out in Cricket?

Timed out is a method of dismissal under Law 40 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket.

A batter can be dismissed timed out if, after a wicket falls or a batter retires, the incoming batter is not ready to receive the next ball—or the other batter is not ready to receive it—within the applicable time limit.

The MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, Fourth Edition, took effect on 1 October 2026. Under Law 40.1.1, the standard three-minute limit remains unchanged. However, competitions may specify shorter limits through their playing conditions.

For example, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 allowed two minutes, while applicable ICC T20 International playing conditions can specify a 90-second limit. The rules for the particular competition determine which time limit applies.

Simply arriving at the crease does not necessarily satisfy the rule. The incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball within the required period.

The fielding side must appeal before the umpires can give the batter out timed out.

Key fact: A batter can be dismissed timed out without facing a delivery, and the bowler receives no credit for the wicket.

What Is the Timed Out Rule in Cricket?

The timed-out rule prevents unnecessary delays when a new batter enters the field. It helps ensure that matches continue without excessive interruptions between dismissals.

Under Law 40, the requirement applies when a batter is dismissed or retires and another batter must be ready for the next delivery.

How Does a Timed-Out Dismissal Work?

1. A wicket falls, or a batter retires.
2. The incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball, or the other batter must be ready to receive it, within the applicable time limit.
3. If the requirement is not met, the fielding side can appeal.
4. The umpires assess the appeal under the relevant Laws and playing conditions.
5. If the appeal is upheld, the incoming batter is dismissed timed out.

A batter is not automatically given out when the time limit expires. An appeal is required, and the umpires determine whether the dismissal is valid.

How Much Time Does a Batter Get in Cricket?

The permitted time depends on the Laws and playing conditions governing the match.

Rules or competition	Time allowed
Standard MCC Laws	Three minutes
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023	Two minutes
Applicable ICC T20I playing conditions	90 seconds
Other domestic and international competitions	As specified in their playing conditions

The MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, Fourth Edition, took effect on 1 October 2026. Law 40.1.1 retains the standard three-minute limit. International tournaments and other competitions can apply different limits.

For this reason, players must follow the playing conditions for their specific match rather than assume that every cricket format uses the same deadline.

Timed Out in Cricket: List of 10 Notable Cases

Timed-out dismissals have remained extremely uncommon throughout cricket history.

Wisden’s published list records nine men’s professional timed-out dismissals. In June 2026, Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden became the first woman to be dismissed timed out in international cricket.

The following combines those nine men’s professional cases with Choden’s historic women’s international dismissal. These are 10 notable documented cases, not a complete count of every timed-out dismissal in cricket history.

No.	Player	Team	Opponent	Season or year
1	Andrew Jordaan	Eastern Province	Transvaal	1987–88
2	Hemulal Yadav	Tripura	Orissa	1997–98
3	Vasbert Drakes	Border	Free State	2002–03
4	Andrew Harris	Nottinghamshire	Durham UCCE	2003
5	Ryan Austin	Combined Campuses and Colleges	Windward Islands	2013–14
6	Charles Kunje	Matabeleland Tuskers	Mountaineers	2017–18
7	Angelo Mathews	Sri Lanka	Bangladesh	2023
8	Godfred Bakiweyem	Ghana	Sierra Leone	2023–24
9	Saud Shakeel	State Bank of Pakistan	Pakistan Television	2024–25
10	Ritshi Choden	Bhutan Women	Nepal Women	2026

1. Andrew Jordaan: The First Recorded Men’s Professional Case

Andrew Jordaan of Eastern Province was dismissed timed out against Transvaal during the 1987–88 South African domestic cricket season.

His dismissal is the earliest entry in Wisden’s documented list of men’s professional timed-out cases.

Jordaan had been not out overnight, but heavy rain and flooded streets delayed his journey to the ground the following morning. His dismissal remains an early example of this unusual mode of losing a wicket.

2. Hemulal Yadav: The Indian Domestic Cricket Case

Hemulal Yadav was dismissed timed out while representing Tripura against Orissa during the 1997–98 Ranji Trophy season.

According to historical accounts reported by Wisden, Yadav was talking with his team manager instead of making his way to the crease after a wicket fell.

The delay resulted in a timed-out dismissal.

Yadav’s case is one of the best-known examples of this dismissal in Indian domestic cricket. It illustrates how a batter’s failure to be ready within the required period can lead to a wicket even without a delivery being bowled.

3. Vasbert Drakes: The Batter Delayed by a Flight

West Indies cricketer Vasbert Drakes was dismissed timed out while representing Border against Free State during the 2002–03 South African domestic season.

Drakes was unable to reach the ground in time because of a delayed flight. Historical reporting indicates that he was still on another continent when he was ruled out.

The opposition appealed, and the dismissal was recorded as timed out.

His case is unusual because the delay was connected to travel rather than an incident at the crease.

It demonstrates that the rule can have consequences even when a batter’s absence is caused by circumstances beyond the immediate action on the field.

4. Andrew Harris: The Nottinghamshire Case

Andrew Harris was dismissed timed out while representing Nottinghamshire against Durham UCCE in 2003.

Harris had suffered a groin injury while bowling and was changing out of his tracksuit when the previous wicket fell. He tried to get ready and reach the crease quickly, but could not move fast enough and was declared timed out.

His case remains notable because timed-out dismissals were exceptionally uncommon in English professional cricket.

The incident also demonstrates that the same timing requirement can apply in domestic matches, subject to the playing conditions in force.

5. Ryan Austin: The West Indies Domestic Case

Ryan Austin was dismissed timed out while playing for Combined Campuses and Colleges against the Windward Islands during the 2013–14 season.

The dismissal is included among the documented men’s professional cases.

Published accounts do not establish a confirmed reason for Austin’s delay. He failed to appear in time to bat in the second innings, although he later took the field to bowl.

His dismissal remains an example of the timed-out rule being applied in West Indies domestic cricket.

6. Charles Kunje: The Zimbabwean Domestic Case

Charles Kunje was dismissed timed out while representing Matabeleland Tuskers against Mountaineers during the 2017–18 Zimbabwean domestic season.

His name appears in the documented list of men’s professional timed-out dismissals.

The reason for Kunje’s delay remains unclear in published reports. The dismissal came during a difficult match for Matabeleland Tuskers, who were bowled out for 68 before Mountaineers won by 10 wickets.

Although Kunje’s dismissal received considerably less attention than Angelo Mathews’ later international incident, it remains part of the recorded history of this rare dismissal.

7. Angelo Mathews: The First Timed-Out Dismissal in International Cricket

Angelo Mathews became the first batter to be dismissed timed out in international cricket during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 6 November 2023.

The incident occurred after Bangladesh dismissed Sri Lankan batter Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Mathews walked out to bat but encountered a problem with his helmet strap before facing his first delivery. He requested a replacement helmet, which contributed to the controversy surrounding the delay.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed to on-field umpire Marais Erasmus for timed out under Law 40.1.1 and the tournament’s two-minute requirement.

Fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock later explained that Mathews had already exceeded the permitted time before the helmet strap issue occurred: “the batter wasn’t ready to receive the ball within those two minutes, even before the strap became an issue for him.”

Mathews challenged that account, posting time-stamped video screenshots and arguing that he had five seconds left when the strap broke. He called Shakib “a cheat,” demanded “justice” from the ICC, threw his helmet and bat at the boundary, and described the incident as “disgraceful.”

Why Was Angelo Mathews’ Dismissal Controversial?

The decision triggered a major debate about the difference between following cricket’s playing conditions and respecting the spirit of the game. Mathews argued that the time-stamped footage supported his claim that he had five seconds remaining, directly contradicting Holdstock’s explanation that he was already late before the helmet strap broke.

Shakib later explained: “One of our fielders came to me and said if you appeal now he will be out.”

The umpires asked whether he wanted to continue with the appeal, and he declined to withdraw it.

Bangladesh won the match by three wickets, with Shakib named Player of the Match after scoring 82 runs and taking two wickets. When Mathews later had Shakib caught, he tapped an imaginary wristwatch.

The incident became one of the most discussed moments of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Mathews lost his wicket without facing a delivery, becoming the first batter to suffer this dismissal in international cricket.

8. Godfred Bakiweyem: The Ghanaian T20 Cricket Case

Godfred Bakiweyem of Ghana was dismissed timed out against Sierra Leone during the 2023–24 season.

The incident is included in Wisden’s documented list of men’s professional timed-out dismissals and is identified as the first such dismissal in T20 cricket.

Bakiweyem did not meet the applicable timing requirement, resulting in his dismissal.

His case demonstrated that timed out was not restricted to first-class cricket or longer formats.

The incident is especially notable because shorter-format cricket places greater emphasis on maintaining the pace of play.

Bakiweyem’s dismissal remains an important entry in the history of timed-out dismissals in men’s T20 cricket.

9. Saud Shakeel: The Pakistan Domestic Cricket Case

Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel was dismissed timed out while representing State Bank of Pakistan against Pakistan Television during the 2024–25 domestic first-class season.

His dismissal occurred during an extraordinary sequence in which State Bank of Pakistan lost four wickets in three balls.

After the preceding dismissal, Shakeel did not become ready to bat within the required period. Reports indicate that he took approximately four minutes to emerge, leading to an appeal from the opposition.

The umpires upheld the appeal, and Shakeel was recorded as timed out.

A match official said Shakeel reached the crease after the three-minute limit. Reports suggested that he had been waiting for his turn to bat and may have dozed off during the unusually late, floodlit final played during Ramadan. The suggestion that he had fallen asleep was not established as a confirmed explanation.

His dismissal became the latest entry in Wisden’s published list of nine men’s professional timed-out cases.

The incident demonstrated that even experienced international cricketers can be affected by the timing requirement during domestic matches.

10. Ritshi Choden: The First Woman Timed Out in International Cricket

Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden became the first woman to be dismissed timed out in international cricket during a match against Nepal Women on 4 June 2026.

The incident occurred during the ACC Women’s Premier Cup at the Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Cricket Oval in Mantin, Malaysia.

Nepal Women scored 113 runs in 20 overs before Bhutan began their chase.

On the first ball of Bhutan’s innings, opener Ngawang Choden was bowled for a golden duck by Kabita Kunwar.

Ritshi Choden was due to bat at No. 3 but was not ready within the applicable time limit. Reports of the match described a two-minute deadline for the incoming batter.

Bhutan were 0 for 2 after a single delivery. Nepal appealed for timed out, and the umpires Ankita Guha and Sun Meng Yao upheld the appeal. Nepal fielder Puja Mahato went to the umpire and began celebrating. Ritshi Choden arrived carrying her helmet and gloves, spoke briefly with the umpire, and left without protest. She was dismissed for zero without facing a delivery.

Bhutan eventually finished on 62/8 in 20 overs, losing the match by 51 runs while chasing 114.

Why Was Ritshi Choden’s Dismissal Significant?

Choden’s dismissal marked the first recorded instance of a woman being given out timed out in international cricket.

The incident attracted attention because it occurred at the beginning of Bhutan’s innings, immediately after the first delivery.

It also generated discussion about sportsmanship and the use of the timed-out rule.

Following the match, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) apologised, stating:

“While the dismissal was effected within the laws of cricket, we recognise that the spirit of the game extends beyond the written laws and must remain central to our conduct at all times.”

CAN also apologised to Bhutan Cricket, the player concerned and other stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to sportsmanship, mutual respect and fair play.

Choden’s case remains a milestone in women’s international cricket and demonstrates that the timed-out rule applies across men’s and women’s competitions.

Can a Bowler Get Credit for a Timed-Out Wicket?

No. A bowler does not receive credit when a batter is dismissed timed out.

Under Law 40.2 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, the dismissal is recorded against the batter, but no wicket is credited to the bowler.

This differs from dismissals such as bowled, caught, LBW and stumped, which can count towards a bowler’s individual wicket tally.

For example, Angelo Mathews was dismissed timed out against Bangladesh in the 2023 World Cup, but no Bangladesh bowler received credit for his wicket.

The dismissal affects the batting team’s score and wicket count without increasing any bowler’s individual tally.

Can a Batter Be Timed Out in Test, ODI and T20 Cricket?

Yes. A batter can be dismissed timed out in Test, ODI and T20 cricket, subject to the applicable playing conditions.

The rule applies across formats, but the permitted time can vary between competitions.

Timed Out in Test Cricket

Timed out is possible in Test cricket. The standard MCC Laws provide a three-minute limit, and ICC Test playing conditions have also specified three minutes.

However, no timed-out dismissal in men’s Test cricket appears in Wisden’s documented list of nine men’s professional cases.

Timed Out in ODI Cricket

Timed out is also possible in One Day International cricket.

Angelo Mathews became the first batter to be dismissed this way in international cricket during the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The tournament’s playing conditions required the incoming batter to be ready within two minutes.

His dismissal demonstrated that a batter could lose a wicket before facing a ball in an ODI.

Timed Out in T20 Cricket

Timed out can occur in T20 cricket when a batter fails to meet the relevant competition’s timing requirement.

Applicable ICC T20I playing conditions can specify a 90-second limit, although the conditions for a particular tournament must be checked separately.

Godfred Bakiweyem’s dismissal against Sierra Leone during the 2023–24 season was identified by Wisden as the first such dismissal in T20 cricket.

Ritshi Choden’s dismissal against Nepal Women in June 2026 became the first recorded timed-out dismissal involving a woman in international cricket.

Players must therefore understand the specific playing conditions rather than assume that every cricket format uses the same time limit.

Conclusion

Timed out in cricket is one of the sport’s rarest dismissals because it results from a delay between batters rather than an event during a delivery.

Under the standard MCC Laws, an incoming batter has three minutes to be ready, although competitions may apply different limits. The 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup used two minutes, while applicable T20I playing conditions can specify 90 seconds.

The nine men’s professional cases recorded by Wisden include Andrew Jordaan, Hemulal Yadav, Vasbert Drakes, Angelo Mathews and Saud Shakeel. Mathews’ dismissal in the 2023 World Cup brought worldwide attention to the rule.

Ritshi Choden’s dismissal in June 2026 marked another milestone as the first such case involving a woman in international cricket.

Together, these 10 notable cases demonstrate why batters must be ready within the required time and how an uncommon rule can influence a cricket match.

Frequently Asked Questions About Timed Out in Cricket