Historic First: Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden Becomes First Women Cricketer to be Timed Out
A rare and significant moment unfolded in women’s international cricket recently, as Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden became the first batter to be dismissed ‘timed out’ in a T20I match against Nepal. This unprecedented event, which occurred during the ACC Premier Cup, has ignited conversations across the cricketing world, not only about the strict application of the Laws of Cricket but also the overarching ‘spirit of the game’.
The Incident: A Crucial Delay Leads to Dismissal
The incident took place during the first ball of Bhutan’s chase of Nepal’s target in Mantin, Malaysia. Opener Ngawang Choden had just been dismissed for a golden duck, leaving Bhutan at 0 for 1. As per the playing conditions for T20Is, a new batter is typically expected to be ready to face the next ball within a specific timeframe, often 90 seconds (though standard Test and ODI regulations allow three minutes). Ritshi Choden, the designated next batter, appeared to be caught off guard.
Reports indicate that Choden took over 90 seconds to arrive at the crease, jogging in with her gloves and helmet still in hand. While she engaged in a brief discussion with the square-leg umpire, the Nepalese fielders, led by Puja Mahato, converged and collectively appealed for a ‘timed out’ dismissal. Umpires Sun Meng Yao and Ankita Guha subsequently upheld the appeal, informing Choden that she was out. Choden, without protest, walked back to the pavilion, leaving Bhutan reeling at 0 for 2 after just one ball.
Understanding the ‘Timed Out’ Rule
The ‘timed out’ dismissal is governed by Law 40.1 of the Laws of Cricket, which states: “The incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball within three minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. If this is not done, the incoming batter will be out ‘timed out’.” While the standard Law specifies three minutes, T20 International playing conditions often reduce this period to 90 seconds or two minutes, emphasizing the faster pace of the format. In this particular instance, the umpires’ decision indicated that the 90-second threshold had been exceeded, making the dismissal entirely within the legal framework of the game.
Nepal’s Apology: Upholding the Spirit of Cricket
Despite the dismissal being legally sound, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) later issued a press release apologizing for the incident. This apology was a significant gesture, emphasizing that while the dismissal was within the laws, it did not reflect the
