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Saim Ayub checking the umpire (Source: AFP)
Cricket is a sport full of intense moments, not just for players but also for the umpires. In recent years, there have been two notable instances when umpires suffered head injuries and serious enough to force them off the field for medical reasons. In this article, let's take a look at the incidents in detail when umpires were forced to leave the field and substituted due to concussion.
Asia Cup 2025: Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge Substituted
Ruchira Palliyaguruge Injured (Source:@ AFP)
During the Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and the UAE, umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck above his left ear by a throw from a fielder. The incident occurred, when Mohammad Haris threw the ball, and it accidentally hit the umpire on his head.
Physio rushed onto the field immediately to assess umpire's condition. It is important to note that medical officials conducted a concussion test as a precaution.
After the test was done, it was decided that Palliyaguruge should be substituted for his safety, and he was immediately taken away from the ground. For the rest of the match, reserve umpire Gazi Sohel took over the on-field duties.
This incident marked one of the first times in a major international cricket tournament that an umpire was officially taken off the field due to concussion concerns.
Paul Reiffel's Injury In Mumbai Test In 2016
Paul Reiffel's Injury In Mumbai Test (Source:@cricketcomau,x.com)
Another well well-known incident of an umpire being substituted due to a head injury happened during the India and England Test match at Wankhede Stadium in December 2016. Australian umpire Paul Reiffel was hit on the back of his head by a lobbed throw from Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Play was immediately stopped as medical staff attended to Reiffel. He was taken to a hospital for precautionary scans and diagnosed with a concussion.
Due to the seriousness of his condition, Reiffel was ruled out for the rest of the match. It is vital to note that, Marais Erasmus, who was the third umpire at the time, replaced Reiffel on the field.
Other Notable Incidents Of Umpire Injuries In Domestic Cricket
While official substitutions due to concussion are rare, there have been several other major reported incidents where umpires were hit and required medical attention during matches.
Australian Umpire John Ward Hit in Ranji Trophy Match
In December 2015, during a Ranji Trophy match between Tamil Nadu and Punjab, Australian umpire John Ward suffered a serious concussion-type injury. He was struck on the back of his head by a powerful straight drive from Punjab batter Barinder Sran. He collapsed in pain and was rushed to the Hospital and was also advised to rest and recover.
Umpire C.K. Nandan Injured During 2019 Irani Cup Match
During the 2019 Irani Cup match between Vidarbha and Rest of India, umpire C.K. Nandan was hit on the back of his head. The throw came after Hanuma Vihari took a single, and the ball missed the stumps, hitting Nandan instead. Although Nandan went down in pain, after a brief medical check, he continued his duties for the rest of the day.
