The BCCI has brought in a new Serious Injury Replacement rule for the 2025–26 domestic multi-day season. Similar to the concussion substitute regulation, it allows a like-for-like replacement if a player sustains a major on-field injury that forces them out of the match.
What qualifies as a “serious injury”?
The rule only applies if:
-The injury occurs inside the playing area.
-It is caused by an external blow, such as a fracture, deep cut, or dislocation.
-The player is declared unfit to continue for the rest of the game.
Cramps, fatigue, or minor strains won’t count.
How will it be implemented?
-The team manager files a replacement request with details of the incident.
-Umpires, the match referee, and if required, the ground doctor assess whether the case qualifies.
-The referee must then confirm if the replacement is genuinely like-for-like and not offering the team undue advantage.
Once approved, the injured player takes no further part, and the substitute officially joins the XI.
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Who can be named as a replacement?
The substitute has to come from the players nominated at the toss. The exception is for wicketkeepers — if no reserve is available, the referee may allow one to be drafted in from outside.
Why has this been brought in now?
The debate intensified after this year’s Anderson–Tendulkar Test series. India’s Rishabh Pant fractured his foot in Manchester, while England’s Chris Woakes dislocated his shoulder at The Oval, leaving his side effectively a player short. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir called replacements necessary in such cases. England skipper Ben Stokes, though, dismissed the idea as “ridiculous”, citing possible misuse.
Does the rule apply across all formats?
No. It is restricted to India’s multi-day domestic competitions, including the CK Nayudu Trophy at Under-19 level. It won’t apply in white-ball tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali or Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the IPL remains outside its scope for now.
What checks are in place to avoid exploitation?
Any penalties or suspensions applied to the injured player carry over to the substitute. Both players will also be considered to have officially “played” the match. The referee’s call is final and cannot be appealed.
What’s next?
This is a domestic-only experiment. The ICC hasn’t signed off on it yet, but if the trial works in India, it may well open the door to wider adoption.
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