Pakistan cricket has seen its fair share of bizarre moments, but this one might just take the cake. In what could be called both amusing and embarrassing, Pakistan Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel created history on March 4 (Tuesday) when he became the first Pakistani cricketer to be dismissed timed-out in a first-class match.
Shakeel, playing for the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) against Pakistan Television (PTV) in the President’s Cup Grade 1 First-Class tournament, was set to bat at number five. However, instead of taking his position at the crease, he was caught napping—literally. Shakeel reportedly dozed off in the dressing room and failed to make it to the pitch on time, resulting in an unprecedented dismissal that left many people in disbelief.
Match Situation: SBP in control despite Shakeel’s sleep
As for the match itself, SBP posted a first-innings total of 205 before bundling PTV out for a struggling 49/3 in a rare night fixture, scheduled during Ramadan. Despite the bizarre episode involving Shakeel, SBP seemed to have the upper hand at stumps. However, the vice-captain’s absence from the crease could have potentially hurt his team’s chances, depending on how the game unfolds.
List of players who have been timed out
Shakeel’s untimely nap has now etched his name in cricketing history as only the seventh player ever to be dismissed timed-out in first-class cricket. Before him, the list included:
- Andrew Jordaan (South Africa)
- Hemulal Yadav (India)
- Vasbert Drakes (West Indies)
- Ryan Austin (West Indies)
- AJ Harris (England)
- Charles Kunje (Zimbabwe)
Session timings for Pakistan’s FC match during Ramadan
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| 1st Session | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm |
| Tea Break | 9:30 pm – 9:50 pm |
| 2nd Session | 9:50 pm – 11:50 pm |
| Dinner Break | 11:50 pm – 12:30 am |
| 3rd Session | 12:30 am – 2:30 am |
