Cricket Helmet Safety Standards: What the BS 7928 Standard Requires
The technical requirements of the British Standards Institution's BS 7928 cricket helmet standard, what testing it involves, which helmets have failed tests, why some touring players have been found using below-standard helmets, and the ICC's enforcement approach.
BS 7928 Standard Requirements
BS 7928 is the primary international standard for cricket helmet safety, developed after Phillip Hughes' death in 2014. It requires: (1) a rigid shell capable of withstanding an 87 mph (140 km/h) impact; (2) a grille fixed sufficiently close to prevent a cricket ball from passing between grille bars or between the grille and peak; (3) a chin strap rated to specified load; (4) coverage of the back of the skull and temples. Each batch of helmets is tested by an approved laboratory before certification.
The Testing Process
Helmet testing involves firing a cricket ball at 87 mph (equivalent to a hard bouncer from a fast bowler) at specified impact zones on the helmet while it is mounted on a head-form. The shell must not fracture, and the grille must not deform sufficiently to contact the head-form's face. Drop tests assess impact absorption across the crown and sides. Batches failing any test cannot be sold as BS 7928 compliant — the standard is not self-certifying.
ICC Enforcement
The ICC mandates that all helmets used in ICC-sanctioned international matches must meet BS 7928 or an ICC-approved equivalent. Umpires have the authority to prevent a player from using a non-compliant helmet. However, at lower domestic levels, enforcement is inconsistent — some boards lack the regulatory infrastructure to verify helmet compliance for every club or school player, creating a significant safety gap below the international level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between BS 7928:2013 and the updated standard?
BS 7928:2013 was the standard at the time of Phillip Hughes' death. Post-2014 revisions tightened the grille-to-peak gap requirement, added temple coverage specifications, and increased the required certification testing rigour. The current standard is more stringent on grille design — specifically targeting the type of gap that Hughes' fatal delivery exploited.
Do wicket-keepers need to wear helmets to the same standard?
Wicket-keeper helmets (used when standing up to pace bowling, typically at the front of the wicket) are designed differently from batting helmets — they prioritise full-face visibility at close range. Keeper helmets are subject to the same BS 7928 standard where applicable but have different grille configurations designed for keeper-specific facing positions.