ICC’s concussion substitute rule set for overhaul as WTC 2025–27 cycle begins with SL vs BAN Test

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to introduce a landmark change to the concussion substitute protocol in men’s international cricket, with the new rule taking effect from the opening Test of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle on June 17.

Under the revised regulations, teams must now submit a list of five designated concussion substitutes to the match referee before the start of each match. This list must include one player each in the roles of wicketkeeper, batter, seam bowler, spinner and all-rounder. This is a significant departure from the previous system, where teams could nominate a like-for-like replacement at the time of injury without a pre-declared pool.

The ICC’s move aims to enhance fairness and transparency following recent controversies over the interpretation of ‘like-for-like’ replacements. One high-profile incident took place during India’s T20I series against England earlier this year, when India replaced batting all-rounder Shivam Dube with specialist fast bowler Harshit Rana, who subsequently had a major impact on the match. The decision sparked debate over whether teams were gaining a tactical advantage under the guise of medical necessity.

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The updated protocol also accounts for rare situations where a concussion substitute is himself concussed. In such cases, the match referee is empowered to approve a replacement from outside the pre-nominated five, provided the new player fits the like-for-like criteria. This clause ensures teams are not left shorthanded in extraordinary circumstances, while maintaining the integrity of the replacement process.

The concussion substitute rule change is part of a broader package of amendments to the ICC’s playing conditions for the new cycle. Notably, the ICC will also reintroduce the single-ball rule in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) from July 2, and minor tweaks are expected to the rules governing boundary catches and the Decision Review System (DRS).

The ICC’s Chief Executives’ Committee has already approved these changes, which are expected to bring greater clarity and consistency to match-day protocols and ensure that player welfare remains a top priority.

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