Image Credit: BCCI
BCCI Adds Injury Replacement Rule After Pant’s Injury
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has brought in a new rule for domestic tournaments after Rishabh Pant suffered a fractured foot during the Manchester Test against England in July 2025. The injury occurred when the ball ricocheted off his bat and struck his toe, leaving him in severe pain with swelling and bleeding. Pant briefly resumed batting but was later ruled out of the final Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
Introduction of Serious Injury Replacement
In response, the BCCI has announced the Serious Injury Replacement rule for the upcoming 2025–26 domestic season. The rule applies to multi-day tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. It allows teams to bring in a replacement if a player sustains a severe injury—such as fractures, deep cuts, or dislocations—during the match and cannot continue.
The replacement must come from the list of substitutes submitted before the toss. However, in exceptional cases, especially involving wicketkeepers, a specialist may be permitted even if not part of the original list. The final decision on approving a replacement will rest with the match referee and on-field umpires after consultation with medical staff.
Ensuring Fair Play and Safety
The BCCI clarified that the rule is meant strictly for genuine cases and will be closely monitored to prevent misuse. The move follows the example of concussion substitutes in international cricket and is seen as a major step toward prioritizing player health.
Impact on Domestic Cricket
The regulation has been welcomed by many players and state associations as a forward-looking step. It not only enhances safety but also ensures teams are not left at an unfair disadvantage when a player suffers a serious injury. The rule will come into effect immediately and will be implemented in all long-format domestic matches from the start of the 2025–26 season.
