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ICC Likely To Allow Replacements For On-Field External Injuries Soon

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rishabh Pant [Source: ICC/X.com]Rishabh Pant [Source: ICC/X.com]

India's injury problems in the ongoing Test series against England have gotten worse. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant fractured his right toe while batting on Day 1 of the fourth Test. The injury happened when he tried a reverse sweep and the ball hit his boot hard. He was in serious pain and had to be taken off the field in a buggy. Doctors advised six weeks of rest, but Pant still came out to bat the next day.

Pant returned to the crease after India lost early wickets. Despite limping and struggling to run, he scored 54 runs before being bowled by Jofra Archer. Since there are no current rules allowing a full replacement, India had no choice but to send in an injured player.

ICC May Approve Replacements For External Injuries Soon

Under current ICC rules, substitute players are not allowed to bat or bowl. They can only field or keep wickets with umpire approval. This rule forced India to rely on Pant even though he was clearly unfit to play. India's backup keeper Dhruv Jurel can keep wickets, but can't bat as a replacement.

According to Times of India, the ICC is considering allowing like-for-like player replacements for serious external injuries. The topic is being discussed and might be approved in the next ICC committee meeting. This change would allow teams to bring in fully active replacements during a match when a player is seriously injured.

"There is a chance that teams will get to bring in a replacement for serious external injuries. The matter is already under deliberation. A ratification is expected in the next ICC cricket committee meeting," an ICC source said.

Who Will Replace Rishabh Pant In Fifth Test?

With Pant ruled out for the fifth Test, reports suggest Tamil Nadu keeper-batter N Jagadeesan is likely to join the squad for the fifth Test. Jagadeesan has played 52 first-class matches and scored over 3,300 runs. Ishan Kishan was also considered but is reportedly injured and unavailable.