New Rule Announced for 2025-26 Season
Serious Injury Replacement rule: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved a new rule allowing teams to field an injury replacement in multi-day domestic matches, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
The regulation, titled “Serious Injury Replacement,” will take effect from the 2025-26 season. The move comes in the wake of serious injuries to India’s Rishabh Pant and England’s Chris Woakes during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Test series.
‘Serious Injury Replacement’ Rule: All About Itl: Like-for-Like Substitution
Under the new rule, teams may bring in a like-for-like replacement, similar to the existing concussion substitute system.
- A replacement will be allowed only if the player sustains a serious injury caused by an external blow while on the field of play.
- Qualifying injuries include fractures, deep cuts, or dislocations that rule the player out for the remainder of the match.
- Once approved, the injured player can take no further part in the game.
Who Decides? Umpires Hold Final Authority
On-field umpires will have the final say on whether an injury qualifies for replacement. They may also consult the BCCI Match Referee or a doctor at the venue before ruling.
The process requires the team manager to file a Serious Injury Replacement Request with the Match Referee, clearly naming the injured player and the proposed substitute.
Penalties and Conditions Apply
The incoming replacement will inherit all warnings, penalty time, and suspensions imposed on the injured player.
Additionally, the Match Referee reserves the right to impose restrictions on the replacement’s role if they believe the substitution could unfairly benefit the team.
Pant’s Manchester Heroics
The rule follows high-profile cases like that of Rishabh Pant, who suffered a fractured toe after being struck by Chris Woakes during the Manchester Test against England.
Pant was forced to retire hurt on Day 1 but displayed remarkable resilience by resuming his innings on Day 2. He went on to convert his overnight score of 37 into a gritty 54-run knock, despite visible discomfort.
Gambhir’s Call for Change
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has long been an advocate for injury substitutes in Test cricket. Following Pant’s injury, he reiterated his stance, urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make allowances for external injuries.