BCCI’s rolls out serious injury replacement rule in the Multi-day format in domestic cricket for the 2025-26 season

Rishabh Pant got injured in the Old Trafford Test against England and the wicketkeeper batter was not in a situation to bat as he was hit on his right foot which fractured it. Though Dhruv Jurel donned the gloves for the rest of the game, when it comes to batting the rule permitted no other player than Pant himself to take the field.

With this talks about injury replacements in the middle of the game caught heat. Having said that, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out new rules for its domestic cricket circuit. One such rule is replacing a player with serious injury concern in the middle of the game.

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“If a player sustains a serious injury during the course of the relevant match, a Serious Injury Replacement may be permitted,” the BCCI’s updated Playing Conditions state. However, it also made clear that the injury must occur within the field of play and be the result of an external blow, such as a fracture, deep cut, or dislocation.

Gambhir in favour of the new rule

Just after Pant’s injury, India head coach, Gautam Gambhir had green flagged the rule and had backed with his clear stand for like-for-like replacement. He also asserted that when such injuries occur the equation of game changed drastically and it impacts the game.

“Absolutely, I’m all for it. If umpires and referees see it’s a major injury, why should a team be punished? Imagine playing 10 vs 11 in a closely fought Test. There’s nothing wrong with allowing a visible, like-for-like replacement.”