Concussion Substitutes (Concussion Replacements)
Also known as: concussion sub, concussion substitute, concussion replacement, how do concussion subs work, like for like replacement, concussion substitute rule
In international cricket, a concussion substitute is a like-for-like player who replaces a concussed player for the rest of the match. The team doctor must confirm a concussion or suspected concussion from a head or neck injury during play. The match referee must then approve the request.
ICC playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals set out the process. The injury must happen during play and within the playing area. The team's medical representative must formally confirm a concussion or suspected concussion. The team then submits a request to the ICC match referee within 36 hours of the incident.
The replacement normally comes from a list of nominated concussion replacements named for the match. It must be like-for-like. The referee considers the role the concussed player would have played and the role of the replacement. The referee should approve unless the swap would give the team an excessive advantage, and may set conditions. The replacement inherits any warnings or penalty time of the replaced player. The decision is final.
Once approved, the replaced player takes no further part. Both players count as having played for records. ICC classification rules also let first-class matches use concussion substitutes without losing first-class status. In club cricket, check your league's playing conditions.
Tips by skill level
If a teammate is hit on the head, follow your league's concussion guidelines first. Ask about substitutes second.
Know your competition's playing conditions before the season. Many recreational leagues have their own concussion and substitute rules.
Example
A batter is hit on the helmet and the team doctor confirms a concussion. The team asks the match referee for a like-for-like replacement batter, who takes his place for the rest of the Test.
Why it matters
Concussion rules let a team take a hurt player off without being left a player short. That supports safer decisions when a player is hit on the head.
Common mistakes
- Thinking any player can come in as a concussion sub
- Assuming the concussed player can return later in the match
- Assuming club cricket follows ICC rules on substitutes
Frequently asked questions
How do concussion subs work in cricket?
In international cricket, the team doctor confirms a concussion or suspected concussion from a head or neck injury in play. The team asks the match referee for a like-for-like replacement, who plays the rest of the match.
Can a concussed player come back into the match?
No. Under ICC playing conditions, once the replacement is approved, the replaced player takes no further part.
Are concussion subs allowed in first-class cricket?
Yes. The ICC's classification rules allow a full playing substitute for a concussed player without the match losing first-class status.
Sources
- ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 1.2.7 (Concussion Replacement), pp. 4-5
- ICC Men's ODI Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 1.2.7 (same wording)
- ICC Men's T20I Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 1.2.7 (same wording)
- ICC Classification of Official Cricket (with effect from 1 July 2026), section 5 (concussion substitutes in first-class matches), p. 2
Related terms
- Concussion After a Blow to the HeadIf a batter is hit on the head or helmet and might be concussed, they should stop playing straight away. If in doubt, sit them out. They should be assessed by a healthcare professional within 24 hours. Under ECB recreational guidelines, there is no return to competitive cricket for at least 21 days after a confirmed concussion. Severe warning signs, such as repeated vomiting or worsening drowsiness, need emergency care.
- Cricket Helmet and Neck GuardA cricket helmet with a faceguard or grille protects the head and face from the ball. A neck guard, or stem guard, attaches to the back of the helmet to protect the upper neck. Rules vary by country and level. In England and Wales, under-18s must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball.
- Retired Hurt and Retired OutRetired out means a batter chose to leave the field for a reason other than injury or illness, and did not come back. Retired hurt, recorded as retired not out, means they left because of injury, illness or another unavoidable cause. A retired-hurt batter may resume. A retired-out batter may resume only with the opposing captain's consent.
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
- First-Class and List A CricketFirst-class cricket is a match of two innings per side, scheduled for three or more days, between two teams of eleven on natural turf. Tests are the top level of first-class cricket. List A is the one-day version: one innings per side, with at least 40 overs each, at state, county or provincial level or above.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.