BCCI allows “serious injury” substitutes in Duleep & Ranji from 2025-26
BCCI brings injury-sub replacements to first-class cricket: what the new rule means
The 2025-26 domestic season will begin with a significant tweak to India’s playing conditions: a “serious injury replacement substitute” is now permitted in all multi-day competitions, starting with the Duleep Trophy on 28 August and extending to the Ranji Trophy. The measure, cleared by the BCCI after internal debate, is designed to prevent players from aggravating fresh, externally caused injuries – for example fractures or deep cuts – by forcing themselves to continue mid-match.
How the substitution will work
Eligibility – only injuries sustained during the match and classified as external (e.g. blow leading to fracture, laceration). Muscle strains, cramps or pre-existing niggles do not qualify.
Like-for-like – the substitute must be a non-playing member of the squad named at the toss and should broadly mirror the skills of the injured player.
Approval – the team doctor must file a medical report; the match referee grants final clearance.
Special case – if a wicketkeeper is hurt and no spare keeper sits among the four named substitutes, the referee may approve a keeper from outside those four.
Records – both the outgoing and incoming players are deemed to have played the match for statistical purposes.
Why the BCCI moved quickly
The flash-point was Rishabh Pant batting on with a broken foot during India’s Manchester Test in July, while England’s Chris Woakes fielded with a dislocated shoulder in the same game. The spectacle revived an old debate: should cricket force sides into a 10-versus-11 scenario when specialist skills are lost to genuine trauma? India head coach Gautam Gambhir publicly backed a substitution clause; Ben Stokes cautioned against loopholes. The BCCI has chosen to trial the idea domestically before the ICC decides whether to expand beyond concussion and Covid replacements.
Potential impact on strategy
Area | Likely effect |
|---|---|
Squad balance | Coaches will value versatile reserve players among the four named substitutes. |
Player safety | Medical staff gain leverage to withdraw an injured player without harming team balance. |
Tactics | Fewer instances of batters hobbling to protect a result; bowling workloads can be managed if a seamer breaks down mid-spell. |
Spirit of play | Referee oversight and skill-matching aim to deter tactical misuse. |
Looking ahead
The BCCI will review data from the Duleep and Ranji seasons before recommending tweaks or escalation to the ICC. If the trial proves smooth, the rule could become a template for other boards – especially with the modern calendar pushing players into heavier collision and short-ball risks.
For now, India’s domestic captains know they can call on genuine cover if a batter cops a blow to the hand or a bowler fractures a toe – a progressive step that prioritises welfare without compromising competitive integrity.