ICC approve like-for-like substitutes for concussion

In what has come as a major breakthrough, the International Cricket Council (ICC) have approved the usage of like-for-like substitutes in case of a player getting concussed. The decision was taken at the board and full member council at London on Thursday, where the board members agreed and approved the change, which will be effective from August 1, 2019. 

Post the tragic death of former Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, measures have been proactively taken to reduce the risk of potential damage to the head. Players are now required to pass a mandatory concussion test in case of being hit in the helmet, and in addition to this, are also required to change the helmet, due to the helmet being potentially vulnerable after taking a hit. 

"Decisions on replacements will continue to be made by the team medical representative and the player should be a like-for-like replacement who will need to be approved by the Match Referee," a release from ICC's official website stated.

In the recently concluded World Cup, South African batsman Hashim Amla missed a couple of matches after taking a blow to his head in the very first match of the tournament off the bowling of Jofra Archer, while Afghanistan batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi also copped a heavy one off the bowling of Mark Wood. Thankfully, both the batsmen managed to pull through unscathed, and the like-for-like replacement rule would be a welcome addition. 

ICC has monitored the trial period of concussion substitutes since 2017, with the rule first getting approved in Sheffield Shield - Australia's premiere four-day domestic competition.