Sports – related concussion (SRC) is a traumatic brain injury that is defined as complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain induced by biomechanical forces. Concussion can occur in any sport due to blow to the head, neck or body transmitting a strong force to the head. It is thought to be due to a combination of linear acceleration, which causes transient increase in intracranial pressure and rotational acceleration, creating a microstructural strain response in brain tissue.

In cricket, most of the concussion incidents happen to batters, but same also have been seen in case of close in fielders and due to head on collision between two fielders. The match-based incidence rate of head impact was demonstrated at 3.9 and 3.1/1000 player days in first class male and female cricket respectively, while the incidence of concussion injuries in elite male cricket was estimated at 0.9 per 100 players per year. The majority of concussions were termed delayed concussions, with only 30% of players removed immediately following impact, whereas 46% diagnosed later, and the remainder (24%) diagnosed after the game had finished.

A laboratory study in 2018, showed approximately 60% reduction in the pressure on the head model when the helmet was used. However, the numerical simulation showed that significantly high pressures could still be exerted on the brain, even with the helmet on, which could lead to concussion. This highlighted the necessity of improvements to the existing standard cricket helmet. Furthermore, numerical simulations also showed a 67% reduction in the force on the skull and a 95% reduction in the skull internal energy when introducing the helmet and this significantly reduced the probability of skull fracture due to impact. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Clothing and Equipment Regulations, if any player choose to wear a helmet while batting in international cricket, it must be compliant with the British Standard (BSI) – BS 7928; 2013. In 2019, the standard was updated to BS 7928; 2013 + A1:2019 to include specifications for neck protectors.

In 2021, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced a new helmet safety measures with a view to reducing the risk of head and facial injuries within the game. According to the regulation players over the age of 18 were strongly recommended to wear helmets while batting against all types of bowling, wicket-keepers standing up to the wicket (who may as an alternative wear face protectors) and fielders fielding closer than eight yards from the batter’s middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side. In case of under 18 batters and wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps, they must wear head protection when playing or practicing.

Very recently, ICC also made two changes to the concussion protocols in ICC playing conditions in June, 2025, where teams will now be required to nominate their designated concussion replacements for the match to curb the advantage by home teams, who otherwise can choose from a larger pool of potential replacements. Also player diagnosed with concussion during a match must observe minimum stand-down period of seven days before returning to play.

What would be interesting to see is, the way it can reduce the chance of alleged misuse by many teams in the past. Even after the new regulation which is supposed to safeguard the player’s health, few gray areas still remain. But it is refreshing to notice that the player’s health is given priority as none of us want to see the unfortunate incident on a cricket field like Phillip Hughes.