ICC Adopted an Injury Sub Rule Due to Recent Precedents

On August 1, 2019, cricket had to face a substitution rule that allowed teams to have a substitution for a player in the middle of the game if the player suffered a concussion injury. Since then, teams have been requesting substitutions for players suffering from other serious injuries as well. Many cricket experts believe that a sudden in-game injury throws a team off balance, having a direct impact on the match outcome. This is why teams contacted the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the official substitution rule update.

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The rule change has already come into effect in many countries, including India and Australia. Fans and specialists are already guessing how it will impact the new season. Those who are fond of betting should analyze the injury risks and potential substitutes when making predictions this year.

What Is the BCCI’s Injury Substitution Rule?

Under the BCCI’s regulation, injury substitutions are now allowed for external injuries sustained during the match, including cuts or fractures. Internal issues like muscle strains don’t fall under the rule. Teams must also assign potential injury replacements in advance. The only exception can be made to wicketkeepers.

Cricket has a busy schedule this year. Players have to participate in a growing number of matches, which increases the risks for potential injuries. Losing one player can shatter the team’s performance for the rest of the season. With no injury substitution allowed, injured players would have to push through the pain and continue playing. This could eventually worsen the player’s health.

BCCI Introduced a Sub Rule

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) brought a "serious injury replacement substitute" rule for domestic cricket into effect. The change was made to protect players from excessive risks. The rule applies to games that last over multiple days, like the Duleep Trophy, which took place on August 28, 2025. It will also be applicable in the Ranji, one of the first-class cricket competitions in India.

The replacement can be any non-playing member of the team. But it will need approval from the match referee after teams can medically produce a report, indicating the seriousness of the player’s injury. The issue has to have occurred during the game and needs to be external rather than internal. The whole rule change was widely discussed within the BCCI circles, especially after Rishabh Pant’s injury. The player proceeded with batting with a broken foot, which caused him huge pain.

According to the new regulation, the replacement player must be one of the previously selected substitutes. If the wicketkeeper is seriously injured and needs a replacement, then the match referee can allow a wicketkeeper from the non-selected substitutes to step into the game. Both players must be considered to have played in the match for records and statistics.

Earlier this year, Pant and Chris Woakes suffered dislocations, causing big problems for their performance throughout the new season. Both players are determined to come out and help their teams in the game. Their coaches will most likely use the substitution rule to avoid further risks for the players.

CA’s Decision to Implement the Injury Sub Rule

Cricket Australia (CA) is implementing a system similar to the one the BCCI announced earlier this year. They are determined to use injury substitutes during the first five rounds of the 2025–26 Sheffield Shield. Teams are now allowed to replace players up to stumps on day two. The opposing side is then allowed to make the same tactical substitution in response.

Sean Abbott, who is playing for New South Wales, became the first player to make use of this rule. He was sent to the bench after splitting the webbing on his right hand during the second session. Unable to continue, Abbott was replaced by Charlie Stobo. Under the new rule, Victoria could make a tactical replacement on day two. The replacement can’t be random. The new player’s position must match the injured player’s position. The final decision will be made by the match referee. The injured players will also face a 12-day stand-down period from domestic and national competitions. The seasonal trial will evaluate the rule’s practicality for future matches.

A Successful Trial Will Bring a Huge Change to Cricket Worldwide

The BCCI and the CA introduced the injury substitution rule, following the ICC’s guidelines. Even if other countries decide not to participate in the rule trial, India and Australia might have enough evidence to convince the ICC of the rule’s necessity. Introducing the rule internationally can be a measure to improve player safety in the game. After all, the player's well-being is all that matters. But to find out what ICC’s final decision will be, fans and players may just have to wait till the end of the season.