In what has come as a major addition to the International Cricket Council’s concussion rules, a concussed player will now have to keep away from the game for seven days before returning to the fold, as recommended by the cricket body’s medical advisory committee. In the context of concussion protocols, the ICC stated that there are two changes. The implementation of these rules has begun with the first Test of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The sides will now have to nominate designated concussion replacements for every game, which is being brought in to curb the home team’s advantage of being able to select from a larger group of cricketers. The ICC announced a minimum seven-day stand-down period for any cricketer diagnosed with a concussion. “A player diagnosed with a concussion during a match must observe a minimum stand-down period of a minimum of seven days before returning to play. The ICC Medical Advisory Committee has recommended this change to support players’ safety and well-being,” ICC said. New wide-ball rule in limited-overs cricket The upcoming limited-overs series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will mark the start dates for the new playing conditions for ODIs and T20Is. The series consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is, starting July 2. The ICC said that two new rules will be trialled by full members for six months beginning in October. It includes a new wide-ball rule for ODIs and T20Is. “The position of the batter’s legs at the point of delivery will now be used as the reference point for a wide, even if the batter subsequently moves across to the off side,” the ICC said. “The trial will see a ball that passes the popping crease between the leg stump and the protected area marker not being called a wide. To help with this, the protected area marker line will be extended to the popping crease and act as a guide for the umpires,” the statement added. New rule for Ranji Trophy Another rule to be tested is for domestic first-class cricket, in which sides can now name replacements for a cricketer who suffers a serious injury after being picked in the XI.