Saad becomes first-ever concussion substitute in Pakistan domestic history

Salahuddin was ruled out of the match after being hit on the left-side of his neck

PHOTO: PCB

Central Punjab’s batsman Usman Salahuddin will not participate anymore in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match, against Southern Punjab at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, due to concussion.

Marking the first-ever use concussion substitute in the history of Pakistan domestic cricket, the Central Punjab side will have Mohammad Saad, the right-handed batsman, replace Salahuddin.

Salahuddin was hit on the left-side of his neck while fielding at short-leg when Sami Aslam went for a sweep off Bilal Asif’s bowling in the first session of the match.

The player was immediately examined for concussion and was taken off the field for an X-ray. Salahuddin had “neck pain, headache, and blurred vision immediately after injury”.

A team is allowed 24 hours to ask for a concussion substitute after monitoring the injured player, according to the PCB’s Concussion substitute rule.

The concussion substitute rule had been included in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) playing conditions and has been effective since August 1, when the Ashes series between England and Australia began at Edgbaston.

Australia’s all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne became the first-ever concussion substitute in the history of international cricket, when he replaced batsman Steve Smith after the latter’s injury on the final day of the second Ashes Test at Lords on August 18.