What is the concussion substitution rule in cricket?

NEW DELHI: A concussion is a common form of injury, particularly in sports. It occurs when a sudden impact causes the brain to move within the skull, potentially leading to a mild traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can vary widely, and not all concussions involve a loss of consciousness. While most individuals recover fully, proper rest and medical clearance are essential before returning to any physical activity.

Early assessment is critical, as resuming play too soon can lead to more severe injuries.The concussion substitute rule brings cricket in line with other major sports that prioritise player safety. It plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with head injuries while preserving the fairness and competitiveness of the game.

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By carefully balancing medical precaution with sporting integrity, this regulation ensures teams are not unduly penalised by unforeseen injuries, and the rule itself cannot be exploited for tactical gain.

WHAT IS THE CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTION RULE IN CRICKET?In cricket, if a player suffers a concussion—or is suspected to have one—during a match, a replacement can be allowed under strict regulations.The injury must occur on the field and during active play.

A formal diagnosis must be made by the team’s medical representative.The medical staff or team manager must submit a Concussion Replacement Request to the ICC Match Referee, detailing the incident, the medical findings, and the proposed like-for-like substitute.This request must be made as soon as possible after the incident. The Match Referee is responsible for approving the substitution and ensuring that it does not give the team an unfair advantage.LIKE-FOR-LIKE CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTE RULEA key aspect of the regulation is the "like-for-like" requirement. The substitute must have a similar role and skillset as the injured player. The Match Referee will evaluate:What the concussed player was likely to contribute if they had continued,And how the proposed replacement compares in role and ability.If the referee determines that the replacement would provide an undue advantage, restrictions may be imposed. For example, if the injured player was suspended from bowling at the time of the injury, the substitute will also not be allowed to bowl.

ONCE APPROVED:The concussed player takes no further part in the match.Both the original player and the substitute are recorded as having participated for statistical purposes.The Match Referee’s decision is final, with no option for appeal.