In Your Corner is the place to catch up with the latest news impacting professional cricketers in England and Wales.
With updates every month as part of Beyond the Boundaries, you can find out how cricket is changing from the people at the heart of the conversations.
This month, PCA Chief Executive Daryl Mitchell talks through changes to the replacement player trial in the Rothesay County Championship.
With 27 substitutes used in 54 games, the trial was well utilised in the opening eight rounds of games, however, inconsistency on its implementation led to a review with the PCA offering the player view in a string of meetings.
Supporting Mitchell, the player voice was led by PCA Chair Olly Hannon-Dalby, Player Operations Manager Joe Leach and Lancashire Women’s Rep Kate Cross through the Cricket Advisory Group and the Professional Game Committee.
Following feedback from members, the PCA welcomed the collaborative approach and subsequent adjustments to the regulations, which will be introduced immediately.
A significant alteration will see the guidelines for match referees change, so player replacements will be based on skillset only, rather than experience or previous records. This means that a seam bowler must replace a seam bowler, regardless of their previous stats or perceived ability.
“We have seen players play through significant injuries, so to be able to replace those players and take them out of the firing line is a positive thing from a player wellbeing point of view,” said Mitchell.
”Obviously it is a trial, and with any trial there are a few teething problems, hence the regulation changes that have come into play for the back end of the season.
Daryl MitchellPCA Chief Executive
For the remaining six matches in 2026, all replacements must have been made before the third innings of the game begins.
If a player is undergoing a medical assessment and it is unclear whether they will be fit to play, then the match referee must be made aware of the assessment before the start of the third innings.
These changes do not impact players suffering from concussions or a significant life event, who can be replaced at any point during the match.
The trial itself is a welcome addition to the red-ball domestic game as it follows similar trials in Australia, South Africa and India. Preventing players from being forced to play through injury or family bereavement is a key measure that protects the wellbeing of players and their ability to perform on the pitch.
Players can continue to give feedback via their PCA Rep, Personal Development Managers, PCA Chair Olly Hannon-Dalby or PCA staff with a review of the trial to take place at the conclusion of the season.
