Hashim Amal was among a handful of batsmen who suffered from a blow to the head while batting during the 2019 World Cup © Getty

On the sidelines of its board and council meeting, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved concussion substitutes in men's and women's international cricket - with the rule being made part of the ICC playing conditions from August 1, 2019.

"Decisions on replacements will continue to be made by the team medical representative and the player should be a like-for-like replacement who will need to be approved by the Match Referee," an ICC release stated.

Since 2017, a trial period for concussion substitutes from the ICC has been on, after it had approved the rule in Sheffield Shield - Australia's domestic four-day tournament.