Concussion Substitute in Cricket
What is a concussion substitute in cricket? How the ICC rule works, who approves it, and what the replacement player can and cannot do.
The concussion substitute rule, introduced by the ICC in 2019, allows a player who sustains a concussion during a match to be replaced by a substitute who can bat, bowl, and field in their place. It was created to protect player welfare while maintaining competitive fairness.
How the Rule Works
- A player sustains a suspected concussion during the match.
- The team doctor or medical officer assesses the player.
- The fielding team captain requests a concussion substitute from the match referee.
- The match referee (or their representative) approves or denies the request.
- The replacement player must be a 'like-for-like' player — a batsman for a batsman, bowler for a bowler.
Like-for-Like Requirement
The match referee assesses the replacement's skills against the injured player's skills. The replacement cannot be a superior player overall — the intention is to maintain the same match balance. The match referee has the final say.
Can the Concussion Sub Bowl?
Yes — if the original player was a bowler, the concussion sub may complete their bowling allocation. If the original player was a pure batsman, the substitute's bowling is typically restricted to no more than the original would have bowled.
Frequently asked questions
Who approves a concussion substitute?
The match referee (or an approved representative where no match referee is present) approves the request. The team medic's assessment is required but the final decision rests with the referee.
How long does a player have to leave the field before a concussion sub is possible?
There is no fixed time. The rule is triggered by a medical assessment of concussion — not the duration of absence from play.