In a bizarre turn of events in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, batter Saud Shakeel was timed out during the President’s Trophy final. This rare dismissal occurred on the second day of the match, a first-class competition in Pakistan. Shakeel, representing State Bank of Pakistan, came to the crease late after his team lost two quick wickets.
Amad Butt, captain of the opposing team PTV, appealed for timed out as Shakeel was not ready to face the ball within the stipulated three minutes. The umpires upheld the appeal, leading to Shakeel’s dismissal.
Sources indicate that the rapid fall of wickets caught Shakeel off guard, and he was unprepared to immediately take his position. Although he arrived at the crease, the appeal was made, and the decision stood.
This incident is reminiscent of the highly unusual dismissal of Angelo Mathews in an international match during the 2023 World Cup against Bangladesh. Mathews became the first international cricketer to be timed out after Shakib-al-Hasan appealed.
Adding to the drama, Muhammad Shahzad, the fast bowler who took the two wickets preceding Shakeel’s arrival, went on to claim a hat-trick. He dismissed Umar Amin and Fawad Alam in consecutive deliveries before Shakeel’s timed out. Following Shakeel’s dismissal, Irfan Khan walked in and was bowled on the first ball, completing Shahzad’s hat-trick. State Bank of Pakistan collapsed from 128 for 1 to 128 for 5 in a matter of three balls.
The President’s Trophy final is already unique as the entire tournament is played at night due to Ramadan. Matches are scheduled from 7:30 pm to 2:30 am, with breaks for tea and dinner.
Thanks to Shahzad’s hat-trick, PTV bowled out State Bank of Pakistan for 205. Imran Butt, formerly an opening batsman for Pakistan, scored 89 runs.
