What is timed out rule that forced Sri Lankan batter to return to pavilion?

In an unexpected development, Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews had to return to the pavilion even before facing a ball owing to ICC’s “timed out” law during the World Cup match against Bangladesh in Delhi.

Mathews walked in to bat after the fall of Sadeera Samarawickrama's wicket, but had to walk back after he was timed out – a first in international cricket across all formats, according to ICC Cricket.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder was left befuddled as Bangladesh appealed when he took time to sort out an issue with his helmet.

The incident happened in the 25th over of the Sri Lanka innings when Shakib Al Hasan had just dismissed Samarawickrama, caught by Mahmudullah near the rope.

Mathews took his time walking in, and then struggled with his helmet as the strap broke just as he was taking guard.

As he signalled to the dressing room for a new helmet, Shakib and the Bangladesh team appealed for a "timed out" dismissal and the umpires upheld the appeal much to Mathews' dismay.

Mathews was seen deep in discussion with Bangladesh and the umpires, but the appeal was not withdrawn and Mathews had to walk back dismayed.

What is timed-out rule?

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup rule 40.1.1 says after the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement.

If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.

With Mathews taking more than two minutes to face his first ball, he had to be sent back to the pavilion following the appeal.

It was the first time in international cricket, men's or women's, that a batter was dismissed according to the "timed out" law.