Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes ICC Over Injury Substitution Rule
7Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has sharply criticized the ICC for its current rules on player substitutions in Test cricket. The debate reignited after Rishabh Pant suffered a toe fracture on Day 1 of the 4th Test against England in Manchester and was temporarily ruled out.
Pant got injured while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes, which led to the ball striking his right foot. He was taken for scans and later returned to bat on Day 2, scoring a gritty half-century while clearly in discomfort. Medical reports later confirmed a fracture, and Pant has been advised to rest for six weeks.
Gavaskar Calls for Injury Substitution Policy
The ICC currently permits concussion substitutes but does not allow replacements for other injuries sustained mid-match. Gavaskar found this rule unjust, stating on Sony Sports, “You are giving a like-for-like substitute for incompetence. If you can’t play the short ball, maybe you shouldn’t be playing Test cricket.”
According to Gavaskar, injuries like Pant’s demand a fair system that allows teams to make genuine replacements. He urged the ICC to appoint a neutral committee to revisit this policy, especially for situations involving serious physical injuries.
Concerns Over Media Bias and Fair Governance
Gavaskar further emphasized the need for a separate panel, possibly involving medical experts, to make unbiased decisions. He warned that if the ICC’s main committee—currently headed by Sourav Ganguly and overseen by Jay Shah and Sanjog Gupta—takes action now, it may attract criticism from media in England and Australia.
“To avoid claims of favoritism just because it’s an Indian player, a fresh, independent panel should be formed to assess such situations,” Gavaskar suggested.
The discussion around fair play and injury management is likely to gain momentum, especially with high-profile players like Pant getting sidelined.
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