🏁 Basic Rules of Cricket

Cricket is played between two teams of 11 players each. The game involves batting, bowling, and fielding. One team bats to score runs, while the other bowls and fields to restrict runs and take wickets.

Key Rules:

  • The game is divided into innings.
  • A batsman is out in several ways: bowled, caught, LBW (leg before wicket), run out, stumped, etc.
  • A run is scored when the batsmen successfully run to the opposite crease after hitting the ball.
  • Boundaries: 4 runs if the ball hits the ground and crosses the boundary; 6 runs if it crosses without touching the ground.

⏱️ Formats of the Game

There are three main formats, each with distinct rules and time durations:

🕰️ Test Cricket

  • Played over 5 days.
  • Each team bats twice (two innings).
  • No limit on overs.
  • The purest and most strategic form.

📀 One Day Internationals (ODIs)

  • Each team faces 50 overs.
  • Completed in one day.
  • Players wear colored jerseys and use a white ball.

🔥 T20 Internationals (T20Is)

  • Each team has 20 overs.
  • Fast-paced and entertainment-driven.
  • Highly popular among younger audiences.

🛡️ Powerplays and Fielding Restrictions

In limited-overs formats (ODIs and T20s), fielding restrictions are enforced to balance the contest between bat and ball.

In ODIs:

  • First 10 overs: Only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle (Powerplay).
  • 11–40 overs: Up to 4 fielders allowed outside.
  • Final 10 overs: 5 fielders allowed outside.

In T20s:

  • First 6 overs: Powerplay with only 2 fielders outside.
  • After that, up to 5 fielders can be outside.

⚖️ Umpires and Dismissals

Each match has two on-field umpires who make decisions. A third umpire (using video replays) assists for close calls like run outs or reviews.

Common Dismissals:

  • Bowled: Ball hits the stumps.
  • Caught: Ball caught before touching the ground.
  • LBW: Ball would have hit the stumps but was blocked by the batsman’s leg.
  • Run Out: Batsman is outside the crease when the stumps are broken.
  • Stumped: Wicketkeeper removes bails when batsman steps out.

🤝 Spirit of the Game

Beyond the written rules, cricket holds strong values:

  • Respect for opponents and umpires.
  • Playing fair and upholding sportsmanship.
  • Avoiding excessive appealing or deceptive conduct.

The Spirit of Cricket is recognized and celebrated as part of the game’s heritage.