In a bizarre incident that has left the cricketing world stunned, Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel became the first player from Pakistan to be dismissed "Timed-Out" after falling asleep during a match. This unusual dismissal occurred during the President's Trophy final, a domestic first-class competition in Pakistan.
According to reports, Shakeel dozed off in the dressing room, unaware that he was next in line to bat. When his name was announced, he failed to emerge from the dugout within the stipulated three-minute time frame, prompting the umpires to declare him "Timed-Out".
Just got word that Saud Shakeel was asleep as the match was being played due to its odd timings and didn't get up in time when it was his turn to bat... So the umpires declared him timed out. Only the 7th batter in FC history to be timed out.
— The Stats Kid (@TheStatsKid1523) March 5, 2025
Gotta love this sport. https://t.co/8xulJhqMMB pic.twitter.com/eZA3YHjNyS
This rare and embarrassing dismissal has sparked a mix of amusement and concern within the cricketing community. While some have praised the umpires for adhering to the rules, others have expressed sympathy for Shakeel, who was likely exhausted from the physical demands of the match.
The incident has also raised questions about player fatigue and the scheduling of matches. The President's Trophy final was played at night, with a day's play running from 7:30 pm to 2:30 am, including tea and dinner breaks between sessions. This unusual schedule may have contributed to Shakeel's exhaustion and subsequent dismissal.
Here's how the Netizens reacted to Saud Shakeel's bizarre dismissal:
Just when you think you have seen enough, this nation surprises you
— Palash Pansey (@PALASHPANSEY) March 5, 2025
Typical Pakistan player
— amertha.work (@amerthawork) March 5, 2025
lmao this has to be a joke????
— v (@fetuinbaby) March 5, 2025
Why didn't someone wake him up
— castro (@potugadu619) March 5, 2025
This is not fault of Saud Shakeel as he is the most discipline player who sleeps and wake up on time,ab final night ko karani ye tw hona ta
— Murphy (@_worthlessass) March 5, 2025
Sounds perfectly fitting for Pakistan tbf
— The Stats Kid (@TheStatsKid1523) March 5, 2025
Was he sleeping in dressing room or somewhere else? I mean why can't any of the team memeber wake him up
— Bavirisetty Saikrishna (@b_s_a_i_r_a_m) March 5, 2025
Saud Shakeel's "Timed-Out" dismissal is a first for Pakistan cricket, and it is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. While the incident may have brought some unwanted attention to the player, it has also highlighted the importance of player welfare and the need for more flexible scheduling in cricket.