Retired hurt, retired out and substitutes
Sometimes a batter leaves the field without being dismissed, or a player is replaced mid-match. These rules explain what happens in each case.
The key points
- Retired hurt is not a dismissal. The batter can come back later.
- Retired out counts as a dismissal. The batter cannot return.
- Concussion replacements can bat and bowl. Ordinary substitutes can only field.
Retired hurt vs retired out
| Retired hurt | Retired out | |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | Injury, illness or another unavoidable cause | Any other reason, including tactics |
| Counts as a wicket? | No | Yes |
| Can the batter return? | Yes, when another wicket falls or a batter retires | Only with the opposing captain's consent |
| Scorebook entry | Retired not out | Retired out |
If a retired hurt batter does not return, they are recorded as not out. Their team's innings still ends when there are not enough batters left.
Tactical retirements in T20
Some T20 teams retire out a batter who is struggling to score quickly. This lets a bigger hitter come in for the last few overs. It became more common after R Ashwin did it in the IPL in 2022.
Substitute fielders
A substitute can field for an injured or ill player. Under the Laws, a substitute may also field for other acceptable reasons, with the umpire's permission.
- A substitute fielder cannot bat or bowl.
- A substitute cannot act as captain.
- A substitute can keep wicket if the umpires allow it.
- Catches and run outs by a substitute count as normal dismissals.
Concussion replacements
Since 2019, international teams can replace a player who has a concussion or a suspected concussion. The replacement should be a like-for-like player, such as a batter for a batter. The match referee must approve it. Unlike an ordinary substitute, a concussion replacement can bat and bowl.
League substitute rules
Some franchise leagues use their own tactical substitute rules. For example, the IPL introduced the Impact Player rule in 2023, letting a team swap one player during the match. Check each league's current playing conditions, because these rules change from season to season.
Frequently asked questions
Is retired hurt counted as out?
No. Retired hurt is recorded as retired not out, and the batter can return to bat later.
Can a substitute bowl in cricket?
An ordinary substitute cannot bat or bowl. A concussion replacement, or a league-specific tactical substitute, can.
When were concussion substitutes introduced?
Concussion replacements were introduced in international cricket in 2019.