In a memorable moment during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Australian batter Tom O’Connell experienced a rare form of dismissal, but it was a thoughtful gesture from Mehidy Hasan Miraz that truly won the hearts of fans.
Tom O’Connell at the Center of Rare Timed-Out Dismissal in BPL
During a dramatic moment at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Tuesday at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Australian player Tom O’Connell, representing Chittagong Kings, was involved in an unusual and controversial dismissal. O’Connell, who was sent in to bat at No. 7 after Haider Ali’s wicket fell in the seventh over, faced a significant delay before making his way to the crease, which led to mounting impatience from the fielding team.
Delay in O’Connell’s Arrival Creates Tension
The long wait between Haider’s dismissal and O’Connell’s arrival at the crease sparked growing tension on the field. Khulna Tigers’ players became increasingly restless, while the Kings’ dugout also looked on with curiosity. Commentators highlighted the unexpected string of wickets that contributed to the delay, adding further intrigue to the unfolding situation.
Khulna Tigers Appeal for Timed-Out Dismissal
As O’Connell hurriedly emerged from the glass doors in an attempt to reach the crease, the umpires were already in discussion with Khulna Tigers’ captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. After checking the umpire’s wristwatch, Miraz signaled his team’s decision to proceed with their appeal for a timed-out dismissal, leading to a rare and controversial ruling during the match. This move added a new layer of intrigue to the game, as the appeal sparked debates about the fairness and interpretation of the rules surrounding timed-out dismissals.
The umpires declared O’Connell out, signaling with a raised finger to the scorers in accordance with clause 40.1 of the BPL playing conditions, which mirrors men’s T20I regulations. This rule states that an incoming batter must be ready to face the next delivery within 30 seconds of the previous batter’s dismissal or retirement; otherwise, they can be timed out.
As O’Connell slowly made his way off the field, Mehidy paused and reconsidered his initial decision. Realizing that the situation could have been handled differently, he consulted with the umpires and made the rare and commendable decision to call O’Connell back to bat. This act was widely praised by commentators and fans alike, with many hailing it as a reflection of the true spirit of cricket—a game that values fairness, respect, and sportsmanship above all else.
However, the drama didn’t end there. O’Connell, now back at the crease, faced the very first ball he encountered after being reintroduced. In an ironic twist, he hit the ball straight to Mehidy, who was fielding at short mid-wicket. The moment was striking not only because of the sequence of events but also due to the nature of the incident, which left both teams and spectators in suspense over the outcome.
This situation gained even more attention considering Mehidy’s involvement in a similar controversy the previous year during the ODI World Cup. At that time, the Bangladesh team had appealed for a time-out against Angelo Mathews, a move that sparked widespread debate across the cricketing community. The appeal was seen by many as a tactical maneuver that crossed the line of sportsmanship, casting a shadow over the team’s actions. In contrast, Mehidy’s decision to reverse his call in this instance highlighted a more positive side of his character, restoring some faith in his on-field decision-making and leadership. The two incidents, though different in outcome, added further layers to his evolving reputation in international cricket.