by Cricket is loved by millions of people around the world.
From India to England, Australia to South Africa, cricket brings joy to fans everywhere.
But if you’re new to cricket, the game might look confusing at first.
Don’t worry! Once you understand the basic rules, cricket becomes easy and fun to watch.
The 15 Rules of Cricket we’ll discuss today are the foundation of this beautiful game.
These rules were created by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London, and they help keep the game fair and exciting for everyone.
Whether you want to play cricket with friends or just enjoy watching matches on TV, knowing these rules will make the experience much better.
15 Rules of Cricket
If you want to stay updated with cricket rules, news, match predictions, and expert insights, check out CricketBureau.com – a professional cricket blog that covers everything about cricket with easy-to-understand articles for fans worldwide.
Let’s dive into the essential cricket laws that every beginner should know!
Quick Overview – 15 Rules of Cricket
| S.No | Rule Name | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number of Players | Each team has exactly 11 players on the field |
| 2 | The Toss | Captains flip a coin to decide who bats or bowls first |
| 3 | Innings | Each team gets a turn to bat and score runs |
| 4 | Scoring Runs | Players score by running between wickets or hitting boundaries |
| 5 | Wickets | A team loses when 10 players are out |
| 6 | Overs | One over means 6 legal balls bowled by a bowler |
| 7 | No Ball | An illegal ball that gives extra runs to the batting team |
| 8 | Wide Ball | A ball thrown too far from the batsman |
| 9 | LBW (Leg Before Wicket) | Batsman is out if ball hits leg and would hit stumps |
| 10 | Caught Out | Batsman is out if fielder catches the ball before it touches ground |
| 11 | Bowled Out | Batsman is out when ball hits the stumps |
| 12 | Run Out | Batsman is out if stumps are hit while running |
| 13 | Field Restrictions | Rules about where fielders can stand |
| 14 | Powerplay | Special overs with fielding limits in ODI and T20 |
| 15 | DRS (Decision Review System) | Technology used to review umpire decisions |
Rule 1: Number of Players in a Cricket Team
Every cricket match is played between two teams. Each team must have exactly 11 players on the field at the same time.
These 11 players include:
- 1 Captain (leader of the team)
- 1 Wicketkeeper (wears gloves and stands behind stumps)
- Batsmen (players who score runs)
- Bowlers (players who bowl the ball)
- All-rounders (players who both bat and bowl)
Important points:
- Teams can have substitute fielders if a player gets injured
- Substitutes cannot bat, bowl, or keep wickets
- Only the original 11 players can do all jobs in the match
Rule 2: The Toss
Before the cricket match starts, both team captains come to the middle of the field. The match referee tosses a coin in the air.
How it works:
- One captain calls “heads” or “tails”
- The winning captain gets to choose: bat first or bowl first
- This choice is critical because weather and pitch conditions affect the game
Why the toss matters:
- Some pitches help batsmen early in the match
- Some pitches help bowlers as the game goes on
- Morning dew can make the ball swing more
- In day-night matches, batting under lights can be different
The toss can sometimes decide who wins the match!
Rule 3: Innings in Cricket
An innings is the time when one team bats and tries to score runs. The number of innings depends on which cricket format you’re playing.
Different formats:
- Test Match: Each team gets 2 innings (they bat twice)
- ODI (One Day International): Each team gets 1 innings of 50 overs
- T20 Match: Each team gets 1 innings of 20 overs
Simple explanation: Think of an innings like taking turns in a game. First, Team A bats while Team B bowls. Then they switch roles. The team that scores more runs wins!
Rule 4: Scoring Runs
Runs are the points in cricket. The team with more runs at the end wins the match.
How to score runs:
Running between wickets:
- Hit the ball and run to the other end = 1 run
- Run back and forth twice = 2 runs
- Run back and forth three times = 3 runs
Boundaries:
- Ball touches the ground and crosses the boundary line = 4 runs
- Ball flies over the boundary without touching ground = 6 runs (this is called a sixer!)
Extra runs:
- No ball = 1 extra run (plus whatever the batsman scores)
- Wide ball = 1 extra run
- Leg bye = runs when ball hits the body (not bat)
- Bye = runs when ball misses everything and they run
The team with the highest total runs wins!
Rule 5: Wickets and Getting ‘All Out’
In cricket, getting a batsman “out” is called taking a wicket. Each team can lose up to 10 wickets in an innings.
Why only 10 wickets? Because there are 11 players, but you need 2 batsmen on the field at all times. When 10 players are out, the last player has no partner, so the innings ends. This is called being “all out.”
Ways to lose a wicket:
- Bowled (ball hits stumps)
- Caught (fielder catches the ball)
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
- Run out (stumps broken while running)
- Stumped (wicketkeeper breaks stumps when batsman is out of crease)
- Hit wicket (batsman accidentally hits own stumps)
Getting wickets is how bowling teams stop the batting team from scoring too many runs.
Rule 6: What is an Over?
An over is a set of 6 legal deliveries (balls) bowled by one bowler from one end of the pitch.
Key points about overs:
- After 6 balls, the over is complete
- A different bowler must bowl the next over from the opposite end
- The same bowler cannot bowl two overs in a row
- No balls and wide balls don’t count in the 6 deliveries
- Match length is measured in overs (20 overs in T20, 50 in ODI)
Example: If a bowler bowls 5 legal balls and 1 wide ball, the over is not complete. They must bowl another legal ball to finish the over.
Understanding overs helps you know how much cricket is left to play!
Rule 7: No Ball
A no ball is an illegal delivery that breaks the bowling rules. When the umpire calls “no ball,” the batting team gets advantages.
Common reasons for no ball:
- Front foot no ball: Bowler’s front foot crosses the crease line (most common)
- Bouncer: Ball bounces too high (above shoulder height) – limited per over
- Full toss: Ball reaches the batsman above waist height without bouncing
- Wrong position: Wicketkeeper or fielders standing in wrong positions
Penalty for no ball:
- Batting team gets 1 extra run automatically
- The ball doesn’t count in the over (bowler must bowl again)
- In limited-overs cricket, the next ball is a free hit (batsman can only be run out)
No balls are costly mistakes for bowlers!
Rule 8: Wide Ball
A wide ball is called when the ball is bowled too far away from the batsman to hit it reasonably.
When is it a wide?
- Ball passes too far outside the leg stump
- Ball passes too far outside the off stump
- Ball is beyond the marked guidelines on the pitch
- Umpire judges if a normal batsman could reach it
Penalty for wide ball:
- Batting team gets 1 extra run
- Ball doesn’t count in the over (must be bowled again)
- Can be very expensive in limited-overs cricket
Important note: If the batsman moves and misses the ball, it might NOT be called a wide. The umpire decides based on the batsman’s normal position.
Bowlers try hard to avoid bowling wides because they give away free runs!
Rule 9: Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
LBW is one of the trickiest rules in cricket. A batsman is out LBW when the ball hits their leg or pad, and the umpire believes the ball would have hit the stumps.
Three main conditions for LBW:
- Ball must pitch in line or outside off stump (not outside leg stump)
- Ball hits the pad in line with the stumps (or batsman is outside the crease)
- Ball would have hit the stumps if the pad hadn’t been there
When is it NOT out LBW?
- If batsman hits the ball with the bat first
- If ball pitches outside the leg stump
- If ball misses the stumps (going over or missing)
- If the impact is outside off stump and the batsman was playing a shot
LBW decisions often need DRS (technology) to confirm because they’re so difficult to judge!
Now you understand the 15 Rules of Cricket better, including this complicated but important LBW rule.
Rule 10: Caught Out
Caught out is the most common way to get dismissed in cricket. It’s also one of the easiest rules to understand.
How caught out works:
- Batsman hits the ball with bat or glove
- A fielder or wicketkeeper catches the ball before it touches the ground
- The batsman is out immediately
Types of catches:
- Caught behind: Wicketkeeper catches the ball
- Slip catch: Fielder standing behind the batsman catches it
- Boundary catch: Fielder catches near the boundary (must not touch the rope)
- Diving catch: Spectacular catch while diving
Important rules:
- The ball must touch bat or glove (not just body or pad)
- Fielder must have control of the ball
- A fielder must be inside the boundary when catching
- If the ball touches the ground before the catch, the batsman is NOT out
Some catches are so amazing they’re remembered forever!
Rule 11: Bowled Out
Bowled out is the simplest and clearest dismissal in cricket.
What is bowled out? When the bowler’s delivery hits the stumps directly and the bails fall off, the batsman is out.
How it happens:
- Ball goes through the batsman’s defense and hits the stumps
- Ball takes the inside edge of the bat and hits the stumps
- Ball hits the ground and bounces onto the stumps
- Ball hits the batsman’s body and deflects onto the stumps
The bails must fall: Just touching the stumps isn’t enough. The small wooden pieces on top (bails) must be knocked off for the batsman to be out.
Special case: If the stumps are broken but bails don’t fall (rare in windy conditions with grooved stumps), the batsman is still out.
Getting bowled is considered a bowler’s greatest achievement!
Rule 12: Run Out
A run out happens when batsmen are running between wickets and the fielding team breaks the stumps before they reach the crease.
How run out works:
- Batsmen hit the ball and start running
- Fielder picks up the ball quickly
- Fielder throws the ball at the stumps (or gives it to the wicketkeeper/bowler)
- Stumps are broken before the batsman reaches the crease line
- Batsman is out!
Who can cause a run out?
- Any fielder can throw and hit the stumps
- A wicketkeeper can break stumps after receiving a throw
- A bowler can run out a non-striker who leaves the crease early (called Mankading)
Key points:
- A batsman is safe if the bat or body crosses the crease line
- If both batsmen are in danger, the one running towards the broken stumps is out
- The third umpire often reviews close run-out decisions
Run outs can change the game in seconds!
Rule 13: Field Restrictions
Field restrictions are rules about where fielders can stand during the match. These rules make cricket more exciting and balanced.
Basic field restriction rules:
- Maximum 5 fielders allowed on the leg side (batsman’s hitting side) at any time
- Only 2 fielders allowed behind square on the leg side
- Specific restrictions during powerplay overs (explained in Rule 14)
Why field restrictions exist:
- Prevent defensive field placements
- Encourage attacking cricket
- Give batsmen a fair chance to score
- Make the game more entertaining for fans
Penalty for breaking field restrictions:
- Umpire calls “no ball”
- Batting team gets 1 extra run
- Next ball might be free hit (in limited overs)
These rules stop bowling teams from making it too difficult for batsmen to score.
Rule 14: Powerplay Rules
Powerplay is a special period in limited-overs cricket (ODI and T20) with strict fielding restrictions. It creates exciting, attacking cricket!
T20 Powerplay (First 6 overs):
- Only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle
- Most fielders must be inside the circle
- Batsmen try to score quickly with less protection at boundaries
ODI Powerplay (3 phases):
- Powerplay 1 (Overs 1-10): Only 2 fielders outside circle
- Powerplay 2 (Overs 11-40): Maximum 4 fielders outside circle
- Powerplay 3 (Overs 41-50): Maximum 5 fielders outside circle
Why powerplay is exciting:
- Batsmen attack more because fielders are close
- More boundaries and high-scoring overs
- Bowlers find it challenging
- Creates thrilling moments
Important note: Test cricket doesn’t have powerplay rules. Fielders can be placed anywhere (within basic restrictions).
Powerplay overs often decide who wins the match!
Rule 15: Decision Review System (DRS)
DRS is a modern technology that helps umpires make correct decisions. Teams can challenge umpire decisions they disagree with.
How DRS works:
- Captain or batsman signals ‘T’ shape with arms to review
- Third umpire checks the decision using technology
- Technology includes: Ball tracking, Ultra Edge, Hot Spot, and Slow-motion replays
- The decision is either confirmed, reversed, or stays as the umpire’s call
Review limits:
- Test cricket: 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings
- ODI cricket: 1 unsuccessful review per innings
- T20 cricket: 1 unsuccessful review per innings
What can be reviewed:
- LBW decisions
- Caught behind decisions
- Bump ball (ball bouncing before catch)
- No ball decisions
- Run out and stumping decisions
Umpire’s call: If the decision is very close (like ball just clipping stumps), the original decision stands. This is called “umpire’s call.”
Important rule: If the review proves the umpire wrong, the team keeps their review. If the umpire was correct, the team loses one review.
DRS has made cricket fairer and accurate!
Bonus: Other Important Cricket Rules You Should Know
While we focused on the main 15 Rules of Cricket, here are some additional rules that are also important:
Stumped:
- Wicketkeeper breaks stumps when batsman steps out of crease
- Ball must not be a no ball
- Batsman must be out of crease when bails are removed
Hit Wicket:
- Batsman accidentally breaks stumps with bat or body while playing
- Can happen while playing a shot or running
Obstructing the Field:
- Batsman deliberately stops fielder from catching or fielding
- Very rare dismissal
Timed Out:
- New batsman takes more than 3 minutes to reach the crease
- Happened in 2023 World Cup (first time in international cricket!)
Handled the Ball:
- Batsman touches ball with hand (not holding bat)
- Now merged with obstructing the field rule
Penalty Runs:
- Awarded for serious unfair play
- Can be 5 runs to batting team
- Examples: Damaging pitch, fake fielding, wrong field positions
Dead Ball:
- Ball becomes inactive in certain situations
- Play stops temporarily
- Called by umpire
These extra rules don’t come up often, but knowing them makes you a real cricket expert!
History of the Laws of Cricket
Cricket is one of the oldest sports in the world, and its rules have evolved over hundreds of years.
Timeline of cricket laws:
- 1744: First written cricket laws created in England
- 1788: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) took responsibility for cricket laws
- 1800s: Rules about leg before wicket, boundaries, and overs were added
- 1900s: Modern cricket rules developed with international matches
- 2000: ICC (International Cricket Council) became involved in law updates
- 2017: Major update with gender-neutral language and clearer rules about player conduct
- 2022-2025: Regular updates for DRS, player safety, and new formats
Know the History of Cricket Laws
Who controls cricket laws today?
The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) in London still writes and updates the official Laws of Cricket. However, the ICC (International Cricket Council) makes specific rules for international matches.
Why laws keep changing:
- Player safety improvements (helmets, concussion substitutes)
- Technology advancement (DRS, ball tracking)
- Making cricket more exciting for fans
- Adapting to new formats (T20, T10)
Understanding this history helps us appreciate how cricket has grown into the modern game we love today!
Cricket Rule Variations in Different Formats
Not all cricket is the same! Rules change slightly depending on which format you’re watching.
Comparison Table: Test vs ODI vs T20
| Rule Feature | Test Match | ODI (50 Overs) | T20 (20 Overs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Innings | 2 per team | 1 per team | 1 per team |
| Duration | Up to 5 days | 1 day (7-8 hours) | 3-4 hours |
| Ball Color | Red (white in day-night) | White | White |
| Player Clothing | White (colored in day-night) | Colored jerseys | Colored jerseys |
| Powerplay | No powerplay | Yes (10 overs) | Yes (6 overs) |
| Field Restrictions | Basic only | Yes, three phases | Yes, limited overs |
| DRS Reviews | 2 per innings | 1 per innings | 1 per innings |
| Bouncers Allowed | Unlimited (umpire’s judgment) | 1 per over | 1 per over |
| Free Hit | No | Yes (after no ball) | Yes (after no ball) |
| Maximum Overs | Unlimited | 50 per side | 20 per side |
| Time-Out | No | Yes | Yes |
| Strategic Break | Lunch & Tea breaks | Mid-innings break | Mid-innings break |
Key differences explained:
Test Cricket:
- Most traditional format
- Played with red ball (or pink in day-night Tests)
- No time limit on batting
- Teams wear white clothing
- Most tactical and strategic
ODI Cricket:
- Balance between Test and T20
- 50 overs per side
- Fielding restrictions in three phases
- Popular for World Cups
T20 Cricket:
- Fastest and most exciting format
- Only 20 overs per side
- Aggressive batting encouraged
- Most popular with young fans
- IPL, BBL, PSL are T20 leagues
Understanding these differences helps you enjoy all types of cricket!
Why Learning Cricket Rules is Important?
You might wonder: “Why should I learn all these cricket rules?” Here’s why it matters:
For Cricket Fans:
- Enjoy matches more when you understand what’s happening
- Have intelligent discussions with friends about the game
- Appreciate umpire decisions and player strategies
- Participate in fantasy cricket leagues better
- Settle arguments about rules correctly
For Players:
- Play cricket properly with friends
- Avoid making mistakes that cost your team
- Understand what umpires are looking for
- Develop better game strategies
- Progress from casual cricket to competitive cricket
For Parents:
- Help your children learn and love cricket
- Teach them the game correctly
- Enjoy watching cricket together as a family
- Support their cricket development
For Commentators and Analysts:
- Explain the game to others accurately
- Provide expert analysis
- Build credibility as a cricket expert
For Everyone: Cricket brings people together. Knowing the rules lets you be part of this global cricket family!
Conclusion:
Cricket is a beautiful game with simple rules once you understand them.
These 15 Rules of Cricket form the foundation of everything that happens on the field. From the toss to DRS, from overs to powerplays, each rule makes cricket fair, exciting, and competitive.
Whether you’re watching the Cricket World Cup, IPL matches, or playing with friends in your neighborhood, knowing these 15 Rules of Cricket will enhance your experience.
You’ll understand why umpires make certain decisions, why captains choose specific strategies, and how matches are won or lost.
Quick recap of the 15 Rules of Cricket:
- 11 players per team
- Toss decides batting/bowling
- Innings structure by format
- Multiple ways to score runs
- 10 wickets end an innings
- 6 balls make one over
- No ball penalties
- Wide ball rules
- LBW dismissal
- Caught out rules
- Bowled dismissal
- Run out scenarios
- Field restrictions
- Powerplay overs
- DRS technology
Remember, cricket is not just about rules—it’s about passion, skill, strategy, and excitement. The more you watch and play, the more these rules will become natural to you.
For more expert cricket knowledge, match predictions, player analysis, and the latest cricket updates, always follow CricketBureau.com, a professional cricket blog trusted by cricket fans worldwide. Stay connected with us for everything cricket!
Now get out there and enjoy cricket like never before! 🏏
Related Topics You Might Enjoy:
- How to play cricket for beginners
- Cricket batting techniques explained
- Famous cricket records and statistics
- IPL teams and player analysis
- Cricket World Cup history
- Best cricket equipment for beginners
