Can a concussed player be replaced in cricket?
A · Advanced · Who can play, and who can come on? · 16 of 20Checked 13 October 2026
Yes,
in ICC internationals. If a player suffers a concussion, or a suspected one, from a head or neck injury during the
match, the team can ask the Match Referee for a like-for-like replacement. The replacement can bat, bowl and field in
full. The concussed player takes no further part.
How it works
- The injury must happen during play, on the playing area.
- The team doctor must diagnose a concussion or a suspected one.
- The team asks the Match Referee on a standard form, as soon as possible, naming the replacement from its list of nominated concussion replacements.
- "Like for like": the referee looks at the role the injured player would have played and the replacement's normal role. A batter for a batter, a bowler for a bowler.
- If the replacement would give the team too much of an advantage, the referee can set conditions on who it is or how they take part.
- The referee's decision is final.
- The replacement takes on any warnings, penalty time or suspensions of the injured player.
- Both players count as having played the match in the records.
Tricky cases
Can a concussion replacement bowl?
Yes, if the referee accepts them as like-for-like for a player who would have bowled.
Can a team replace a player for an injury other than concussion?
Not under the ICC men's playing conditions read here. Only a substitute fielder, who cannot bat or bowl.
Does the replacement count as playing in the match?
Yes. Both players are recorded as having played.
Can the replacement play in a super over?
Yes. Concussion replacements are among the players allowed to take part.
Why the rule exists
It means a team is not punished for taking a concussed player off. Without it, teams would be tempted to keep an injured player on.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ICC men's internationals | Concussion replacements allowed as above | PC-T, PC-O, PC-I 1.2.7 |
| The Laws | No concussion replacement; a replacement only with the opposing captain's consent | L1.2.2 |
From the rule book
ICC men's playing conditions, clause 1.2.7 and Appendix F, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ICC playing conditions (PDF).