15 Rules of Cricket: Understanding the Fundamentals

by karan — September 25, 2025 in Sports

Cricket is one of the world’s most loved sports, but it can seem confusing if you’re new to the game.

Many people watch cricket matches and feel lost because they don’t understand what’s happening on the field.

The good news is that once you learn the basic rules, cricket becomes much easier to follow and enjoy.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who wants to refresh their knowledge, understanding cricket rules is the first step to appreciating this beautiful game.

From the simple act of hitting a ball to complex situations like rain interruptions, each rule has a purpose and makes the game fair for both teams.

15 Rules of Cricket

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 15 rules of cricket that every player and fan should know.

We’ll explain each rule in simple terms, give you real examples, and help you understand why these rules matter.

By the end of this article, you’ll have the confidence to watch a cricket match and know exactly what’s happening.

You’ll also understand how these rules work together to create the exciting game we all love.

Let’s start with the basics and build your cricket knowledge step by step.

What Are the Basic Rules of Cricket?

Cricket is played between two teams with 11 players each. The main goal is simple: score more runs than the other team. Think of it like a game where one team tries to hit a ball and run, while the other team tries to stop them.

Here’s how cricket works in basic terms:

The Batting Team: Tries to hit the ball and score as many runs as possible
The Bowling Team: Tries to stop the batting team from scoring runs
The Fielding Team: Works with the bowler to catch the ball and get players out
Innings: Each team gets a turn to bat and bowl

Cricket comes in different formats:

Test Matches: Can last up to 5 days
One-Day Internationals (ODIs): Last about 8 hours
T20 Matches: Last about 3 hours

Format	Overs Per Team	Duration	Players Per Team
Test Match	Unlimited	Up to 5 days	11
ODI	50	8 hours	11
T20	20	3 hours	11

Understanding these basics helps you follow any cricket match. Now, let’s dive into the specific rules that make cricket such an interesting game.

Top 15 Basic Cricket Rules You Should Know

The Toss: Deciding Who Bats First

Before every cricket match starts, the two team captains meet in the middle of the field for a coin toss. This simple moment can change the entire game. The captain who wins the toss gets to make an important choice: should their team bat first or bowl first?

This decision depends on many things:

Weather conditions: If rain is expected, teams might want to bat first
Pitch conditions: A dry pitch might be better for batting early
Team strength: Some teams are better at chasing targets
Format of the game: T20 teams often prefer to bowl first and chase

Example: In a T20 match, if the pitch looks good for batting and the weather is clear, a captain might choose to bowl first. This way, they know exactly how many runs they need to score to win.

The Boundary: Scoring Four or Six Runs

The boundary is like the edge of the playing field. When a batsman hits the ball hard enough, it can reach this boundary and earn quick runs. This is one of the most exciting parts of cricket for fans.

Here’s how boundary scoring works:

Four runs: Ball crosses the boundary after bouncing on the ground
Six runs: Ball crosses the boundary without touching the ground
Inside the boundary: Fielders can stop the ball and save runs

Boundary Rules:

The ball must completely cross the boundary line
If a fielder touches the boundary rope while holding the ball, it’s still a boundary
Modern cricket grounds have rope boundaries instead of walls

Example: A batsman hits a powerful shot that flies over the fielder’s head and bounces once before crossing the rope. This scores four runs automatically, and the batsman doesn’t need to run.

Wickets: How to Dismiss a Batsman

Getting a batsman out (or dismissed) is the main goal of the bowling team. There are several ways to do this, and each method requires different skills and strategies.

Main Ways to Get Out:

Bowled: Ball hits the wooden stumps behind the batsman
Caught: Fielder catches the ball before it hits the ground
Run-out: Fielders break the stumps while batsmen are running
LBW (Leg Before Wicket): Ball hits the batsman’s leg in front of the stumps
Stumped: Wicket-keeper breaks stumps while batsman is out of the crease

Dismissal Type	Who Can Do It	Most Common In
Bowled	Bowler	All formats
Caught	Any fielder	All formats
Run-out	Any fielder	Limited overs
LBW	Bowler (umpire decides)	Test matches
Stumped	Wicket-keeper	Spin bowling

Example: A fast bowler delivers a ball at 90 mph. The batsman swings and misses completely. The ball hits the stumps, and the wooden pieces (bails) fall off. The batsman is bowled out.

Runs: The Basics of Scoring

Runs are the points in cricket. Every run counts toward your team’s total score, and the team with more runs wins the match. Understanding how runs work is crucial for following the game.

Ways to Score Runs:

Running between wickets: Batsmen run to opposite ends
Boundaries: Four or six runs from hitting the ball to the edge
Extras: Bonus runs from bowling mistakes
Overthrows: Extra runs when fielders make mistakes

Types of Runs:

Singles: One run by running once
Doubles: Two runs by running back and forth
Triples: Three runs (rare, usually to boundaries)
Boundaries: Four or six runs automatically

Example: A batsman gently taps the ball toward an empty area of the field. Both batsmen run to the opposite end, scoring one run. If they’re quick enough, they might run back for a second run before the fielders return the ball.

Overs: The Unit of Bowling

An over is like a set in tennis – it’s how cricket organizes the bowling. Understanding overs helps you follow the pace and strategy of the game.

Over Rules:

Each over has 6 legitimate balls
Different bowlers must bowl each over
Bowlers switch ends after every over
No-balls and wides don’t count toward the 6 balls

Over Limits by Format:

Format	Total Overs	Bowler Limit	Strategy
Test	Unlimited	No limit	Long-term planning
ODI	50 per team	10 per bowler	Medium-term strategy
T20	20 per team	4 per bowler	Aggressive approach

Example: In a T20 match, each team bowls 20 overs. If a bowler bowls a no-ball ora wide, they must bowl an extra ball to complete the over. No single bowler can bowl more than 4 overs in the entire match.

No-Balls and Free Hits: When Bowlers Make Mistakes

Sometimes bowlers make mistakes while delivering the ball. These mistakes are called no-balls, and they give advantages to the batting team. This rule keeps the game fair and prevents bowlers from gaining unfair advantages.

Common No-Ball Situations:

Overstepping: Bowler’s foot crosses the front line
High balls: Ball passes the batsman above waist height
Wide balls: Ball is too far from the batsman to hit
Dangerous bowling: Ball aimed at the batsman’s body unfairly

Free Hit Rule: When a no-ball is bowled, the next ball becomes a free hit. During a free hit:

Batsman cannot be out except by run-out
Batsman can swing freely without fear of getting out
Often leads to aggressive shots and big scoring

Example: A fast bowler is running in to bowl, but oversteps the crease line by a few inches. The umpire calls “no-ball,” giving the batting team an extra run. The next ball is a free hit, so the batsman attempts a big shot without worrying about getting caught out.

Leg Before Wicket (LBW): Understanding a Complex Rule

LBW is probably the most complicated rule in cricket, but it’s also one of the most important. Many new fans struggle to understand when a batsman is out LBW, but the basic idea is simple: if the batsman’s leg stops a ball that would have hit the stumps, they’re out.

LBW Requirements:

Ball must hit the batsman’s leg (or body)
Impact must be in line with the stumps
Ball must be going on to hit the stumps
Batsman must not have hit the ball with the bat first

LBW Decision Process:

Pitching: Where did the ball bounce?
Impact: Where did it hit the batsman?
Wickets: Would it have hit the stumps?

Modern cricket uses technology to help umpires make LBW decisions:

Ball tracking shows the ball’s path
Hot Spot detects if the bat hit the ball
Sound technology picks up edges

Example: A spinner bowls a ball that turns toward the stumps. The batsman tries to sweep but misses. The ball hits their front leg directly in front of middle stump. The umpire believes the ball would have hit the stumps, so gives the batsman out LBW.

Powerplay: Maximizing Runs Early

The powerplay is a special period in limited-overs cricket that makes the game more exciting. During these overs, fielding restrictions help batsmen score runs more easily.

Powerplay Rules:

Fielding restrictions: Limited fielders outside 30-yard circle
Mandatory period: Usually the first 6-10 overs
Strategic advantage: Batting teams can score quickly
Risk vs reward: Bowlers try to take wickets when batsmen attack

Powerplay Breakdown:

Format	Powerplay Overs	Fielders Outside Circle	Strategy
ODI	First 10 overs	Maximum 2	Aggressive start
T20	First 6 overs	Maximum 2	Quick scoring

Powerplay Strategy:

Batting teams: Try to score boundaries and build partnerships
Bowling teams: Focus on taking wickets with aggressive bowling
Field placement: More fielders close to the batsman

Example: In an ODI powerplay, only 2 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle. The batsmen use this advantage to hit boundaries through gaps in the field, often scoring 60-80 runs in the first 10 overs.

The Follow-On Rule in Test Cricket

The follow-on rule only applies to Test cricket and creates dramatic situations. It allows the stronger team to put pressure on the weaker team by making them bat twice in a row.

Follow-On Conditions:

Minimum lead required: Team batting first must have a big lead
Captain’s choice: Winning team captain decides whether to enforce follow-on
Strategic decision: Based on team fitness, weather, and pitch conditions

Follow-On Requirements by Match Length:

5-day Test: 200-run lead required
4-day match: 150-run lead required
3-day match: 100-run lead required

Why Captains Use Follow-On:

Time pressure: Forces result in limited time
Pitch deterioration: Conditions get harder for batting
Psychological advantage: Puts pressure on trailing team
Weather concerns: Rain might interrupt the match

Example: Australia scores 500 runs in their first innings. England responds with only 200 runs. Australia has a 300-run lead, so their captain can enforce the follow-on. England must bat again immediately, trying to avoid an innings defeat.

Duckworth-Lewis and VJD Methods: Rain-Interrupted Matches

Rain is cricket’s biggest enemy because it can ruin a perfectly good match. The Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) and VJD methods help create fair results when weather interrupts games.

How These Methods Work:

Mathematical formulas: Calculate fair targets based on resources
Resource factors: Overs remaining and wickets in hand
Revised targets: New scores teams need to achieve
Fair competition: Ensures weather doesn’t give unfair advantages

Key Factors in Calculations:

Overs lost: How many overs couldn’t be bowled
Wickets remaining: How many batsmen are still available
Score at interruption: Current runs when rain starts
Match format: ODI or T20 calculations differ

Method	Used In	Complexity	Accuracy
DLS	International cricket	High	Very accurate
VJD	Domestic Indian cricket	Medium	Good for shorter delays

Example: In a 50-over ODI, Team A scores 280. Rain reduces Team B’s innings to 35 overs. The DLS method calculates that Team B needs 242 runs in 35 overs to win, considering they have all 10 wickets remaining.

Wides: Penalty for Errant Deliveries

A wide ball is the bowler’s mistake that helps the batting team. When bowlers try too hard to avoid the batsman’s strong areas, they sometimes bowl too far away from the stumps.

Wide Ball Rules:

Too far from batsman: Ball passes outside the batsman’s reach
Automatic penalty: One extra run awarded
Extra delivery: Ball must be bowled again
No dismissal: Batsman cannot be out off a wide (except run-out)

When Balls Are Called Wide:

Ball passes too far outside off-stump
Ball goes down the leg side away from batsman
Ball is too high above the batsman’s head
Ball bounces more than twice before reaching batsman

Wide Ball Strategy:

Bowling teams: Try to avoid wides while bowling tight lines
Batting teams: Sometimes move around to force wides
Umpire judgment: Decides what constitutes unfair delivery

Example: A bowler tries to bowl outside the batsman’s off-stump to prevent boundaries. The ball goes too far wide, beyond the batsman’s reach. The umpire signals wide, awarding one run to the batting team and requiring the bowler to bowl an additional ball.

Bouncers and Beamers: Short and High Deliveries

Fast bowlers use short-pitched bowling as a weapon, but cricket has rules to keep players safe. Understanding bouncers and beamers helps you appreciate the battle between fast bowlers and batsmen.

Bouncer Rules:

Short-pitched delivery: Ball bounces and rises toward batsman’s upper body
Limited per over: Usually maximum 2 bouncers per over
Height restrictions: Cannot pass above batsman’s head when standing
Protective gear: Batsmen must wear helmets against fast bowling

Beamer Rules:

Full-toss delivery: Ball doesn’t bounce before reaching batsman
Height limit: Cannot pass above waist height
Automatic no-ball: Dangerous delivery results in penalty
Warning system: Repeated beamers can get bowler banned

Delivery Type	Bounces	Height	Legality	Penalty
Bouncer	Yes	Chest/head	Legal (limited)	None
Beamer	No	Above waist	Illegal	No-ball

Example: A fast bowler delivers a bouncer that rises to the batsman’s chest height after bouncing. This is legal, but if the bowler delivers another bouncer in the same over, it might be called unfair if there were already two bouncers bowled.

Run-Out: Timing is Key

Run-outs create some of cricket’s most exciting moments. They happen when fielders break the stumps while batsmen are running between the wickets. Quick reflexes and accurate throws make the difference.

Run-Out Process:

Call for run: Batsmen decide to run between wickets
Fielding response: Fielder collects and throws the ball
Breaking stumps: Ball hits stumps or bails are removed
Umpire decision: Determines if batsman reached crease in time

Types of Run-Outs:

Direct hit: Fielder throws and hits stumps directly
Wicket-keeper collect: Throw goes to keeper who breaks stumps
Backing up: Non-striker leaves crease early and gets run-out

Run-Out Strategy:

Batting teams: Good communication prevents run-outs
Fielding teams: Practice accurate throwing and quick collection
Ground positioning: Fielders position to create run-out opportunities

Example: A batsman hits the ball to mid-wicket and calls for a quick single. The fielder collects the ball and throws it to the wicket-keeper, who removes the bails just before the batsman reaches the crease. The third umpire uses slow-motion replays to confirm the run-out.

Dead Ball: Stopping the Action

Sometimes cricket needs to pause, and that’s when the dead ball rule comes in. This rule stops all action and prevents unfair advantages when unusual situations occur.

Dead Ball Situations:

Ball becomes lodged: Gets stuck in equipment or clothing
Player injury: Someone gets hurt and needs attention
Umpire intervention: Official stops play for various reasons
Ball slips: Bowler accidentally drops ball during delivery

Dead Ball Effects:

No runs scored: Any runs attempted don’t count
No dismissals: Batsmen cannot get out
Ball re-bowled: Delivery doesn’t count toward over
Reset positions: All players return to original positions

Common Dead Ball Examples:

Ball hits spider cam or other equipment
Batsman’s equipment falls off during play
Spectator interference with the ball
Power failure stops play temporarily

Example: During a delivery, the ball accidentally hits the overhead cable camera system. The umpire immediately calls “dead ball,” stopping all action. Any runs the batsmen were attempting don’t count, and the bowler must deliver the ball again.

The Super Over: Settling Tied Matches

When limited-overs matches end in a tie, cricket uses the exciting Super Over to find a winner. This creates thrilling finishes that fans love to watch.

Super Over Rules:

One over each: Both teams bowl and bat for one over (6 balls)
Three batsmen: Each team chooses its best batsmen
Any bowler: Teams can choose any bowler, even if they have completed their quota
Highest score wins: The Team with the most runs in the Super Over wins the match

Super Over Process:

Coin toss: Determines which team bats first in Super Over
Team selection: Choose 3 batsmen and 1 bowler
First Super Over: One team bats, the other bowls
Second Super Over: Teams switch roles
Result: Higher score wins; tie leads to another Super Over

Super Over Strategy:

Batting: Choose explosive batsmen who can score quickly
Bowling: Select bowlers who are good at bowling yorkers and slower balls
Field placement: Strategic positioning to prevent boundaries

Example: In a T20 match, both teams score exactly 150 runs. In the Super Over, Team A scores 15 runs from their 6 balls. Team B needs 16 runs to win and manages to score exactly 16 runs on the last ball, winning the match in dramatic fashion.

Other Important Cricket Rules and Regulations

Fielding Restrictions

Cricket has specific rules about where fielders can stand to keep the game balanced between bat and ball. These restrictions change based on the match format and situation.

Key Fielding Rules:

Close fielders: A Limited number of fielders near the batsman
Leg-side restrictions: Cannot have too many fielders on one side
Boundary fielders: Limited during powerplay overs
Fair play: Prevents defensive field settings that make scoring impossible

Fair and Unfair Play

Cricket has a strong tradition of fair play, often called the “spirit of cricket.” Players are expected to compete hard but play honestly.

Fair Play Examples:

Walking: Batsmen giving themselves out when they know they’re out
Honest appeals: Only appealing when genuinely believing the batsman is out
Respecting opponents: Treating opposition with respect
Following rules: Not trying to gain unfair advantages

Injuries and Substitutes

When players get injured, cricket has rules to handle the situation fairly while maintaining competitive balance.

Substitute Rules:

Fielding only: A Substitute can field but cannot bat or bowl
Concussion substitute: New rule allows batting/bowling substitute for head injuries
Injury breaks: Play stops for serious injuries
Medical attention: Players can receive treatment during breaks

Why Knowing Cricket Rules is So Important?

Understanding cricket rules benefits players, fans, and everyone involved in the game. Here’s why learning these 15 rules of cricket matters so much.

For Players:

Better performance: Knowing rules helps make better decisions
Avoid penalties: Understanding prevents costly mistakes
Strategic thinking: Rule knowledge improves game planning
Confidence: Players feel more confident when they know what they’re doing

For Fans:

Enhanced enjoyment: Understanding makes watching more fun
Appreciation: Recognizing good play and strategy
Discussion: Better conversations about matches with friends
Following: Easier to follow match progress and tactics

For Teams:

Coordination: Everyone understanding the rules improves teamwork
Strategy: Better tactical decisions based on rule knowledge
Preparation: Teams can prepare better for different situations
Leadership: Captains make better decisions with strong rule knowledge

FAQs:

What are the basic rules of cricket?

Cricket is played between two teams of 11 players each. The basic goal is to score more runs than the opposing team. One team bats and tries to score runs by hitting the ball, while the other team bowls and fields to prevent runs and dismiss batsmen. Teams take turns batting and bowling in periods called innings.

What is LBW in cricket?

LBW stands for Leg Before Wicket. A batsman is out LBW when the ball hits their leg (or body) in front of the stumps, and the umpire believes the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps if the batsman’s body hadn’t stopped it. The ball must not hit the bat first, and the impact must be in line with the stumps.

How many overs are in a cricket match?

The number of overs depends on the format. Test matches have unlimited overs and can last up to 5 days. One-Day Internationals (ODIs) have 50 overs per team, lasting about 8 hours. Twenty20 (T20) matches have 20 overs per team and last approximately 3 hours. Each over consists of 6 legitimate deliveries.

What is the powerplay in cricket?

Powerplay is a period in limited-overs cricket where fielding restrictions apply. During powerplay overs, only a limited number of fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle, making it easier for batsmen to score boundaries. In ODIs, the first 10 overs are powerplay with maximum 2 fielders outside the circle. In T20s, the first 6 overs have the same restriction.

Can a substitute player bat or bowl in cricket?

No, traditionally, a substitute fielder can only field and cannot bat or bowl. However, cricket now allows concussion substitutes in certain cases. If a player suffers a concussion from being hit by the ball, they can be replaced by a substitute who is allowed to bat and bowl. This rule was introduced to protect player safety while maintaining competitive balance.

Conclusion:

Cricket might seem complex at first, but learning these fundamental 15 rules of cricket makes the game much easier to understand and enjoy.

Each rule serves a purpose in creating fair, exciting matches that test different skills and strategies.

From the simple coin toss that starts each match to the complex calculations that handle rain interruptions, every rule contributes to cricket’s rich tapestry.

Understanding boundaries helps you appreciate explosive batting, while knowing about dismissals lets you enjoy bowling strategies.

Rules like the power play and super over add excitement, while regulations about fair play maintain cricket’s great traditions.

Whether you’re a player looking to improve your game or a fan wanting to understand what’s happening on screen, these rules provide the foundation for cricket knowledge.

The beauty of cricket lies in how these rules interact to create endless possibilities and strategic depth.

Remember that cricket is constantly evolving, with new rules and regulations being introduced to make the game better.

Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you understand cricket’s rules, the more you’ll appreciate why millions of people around the world consider it the greatest game ever invented.

Start applying this knowledge by watching matches with friends, asking questions when you’re confused, and gradually building your understanding.

Soon, you’ll find yourself explaining these rules to other newcomers, helping spread the joy of cricket to even more people.

Helpful Resources for Learning More:

To deepen your cricket knowledge, check these authoritative sites:

ICC Official Website: Official rules and updates
ESPN Cricinfo: Match analysis and statistics
Wisden: Cricket history and expert opinions
MCC Laws of Cricket: Complete official rules
The Sports Glory: Cricket Updates on Point

15 Rules of Cricket: Understanding the Fundamentals