15 Rules of Cricket: Player’s Essential Handbook

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, but it can seem quite confusing for beginners.

Whether you’re picking up a bat for the first time or watching your first match on television, understanding the basic rules makes all the difference.

Cricket has been around for centuries, and while the game has evolved, the core principles remain the same.

Learning cricket doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think of it like learning to drive – once you understand the basic traffic rules, everything else becomes much easier.

The beauty of cricket lies in its strategic depth, but you don’t need to master every detail right away.

Starting with the fundamental 15 rules of cricket will give you a solid foundation to enjoy and appreciate this wonderful game.

15 Rules of Cricket

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know in simple, easy-to-understand language.

We’ll cover the most important rules that every player, from complete beginners to weekend warriors, should understand.

By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident about the basic structure of cricket and be ready to either play or watch with much more enjoyment and understanding.

What Are the Basic Rules of Cricket?

Before diving into specific rules, let’s understand how cricket works at its core. Cricket is played between two teams, each with 11 players. The main goal is simple: score more runs than your opponent.

Here’s how the game flows:

• The Batting Team tries to hit the ball and score as many runs as possible
• The Bowling Team attempts to get the batters out and stop them from scoring
• The Fielding Team helps the bowler by catching the ball and preventing runs

The game is divided into innings, where each team gets a turn to bat and bowl. Depending on the format you’re playing:

Format	Overs Per Team	Match Duration
Test Cricket	Unlimited	Up to 5 days
One Day International (ODI)	50 overs	1 day
Twenty20 (T20)	20 overs	3-4 hours

Understanding these basics will help you follow along as we explore the detailed rules that govern how cricket is played.

Top 15 Basic Cricket Rules You Should Know

The Toss: Deciding Who Bats First

Every cricket match begins with a coin toss between the two team captains. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually quite important for the game’s outcome.

The captain who wins the toss gets to make a crucial decision: should their team bat first or bowl first? This choice depends on several factors:

• Pitch conditions – Is the ground better for batting or bowling?
• Weather – Will it rain later? Is it sunny or cloudy?
• Team strength – Are they better at chasing targets or setting them?

Example: In a T20 match, many captains prefer to bowl first so they know exactly how many runs they need to score. In Test matches, teams often choose to bat first when conditions are good for scoring runs.

The Boundary: Scoring Four or Six Runs

The boundary is like the goal line in football – it marks the edge of the playing area. When a batter hits the ball toward the boundary, they can score either four or six runs instantly.

Here’s how it works:

• Four runs: The ball crosses the boundary line after bouncing on the ground
• Six runs: The ball flies over the boundary without touching the ground first

Quick tip: Boundaries are usually marked with a rope or fence around the field. The distance from the center to the boundary varies, but it’s typically between 60-90 meters.

Wickets: How to Dismiss a Batsman

Getting batters “out” is the bowling team’s main job. There are several ways to dismiss a batter, and understanding these is crucial for following the game:

Type of Dismissal	How It Happens	Common?
Bowled	The ball hits the stumps directly	Very Common
Caught	Fielder catches the ball before it bounces	Most Common
Run-out	Stumps broken while the batter is running	Common
LBW	Ball hits batter’s body, would have hit stumps	Common
Stumped	Wicket-keeper breaks stumps while batter is out of the crease	Less Common

Remember: Once a batter is out, they cannot return to bat in that innings. A new batter comes in to take their place.

Runs: The Basics of Scoring

Scoring runs is what cricket is all about. There are several ways to add runs to your team’s total:

Running Between Wickets:

• Hit the ball and run to the opposite end
• Both batters must complete the run for it to count
• You can run multiple times on one hit if there’s time

Boundary Scoring:

• Four runs for hitting the ball to the boundary (after bouncing)
• Six runs for hitting over the boundary (without bouncing)

Extra Runs (given by the bowling team’s mistakes):

• Wides: Ball bowled too far from the batter
• No-balls: Illegal deliveries (usually due to overstepping)
• Byes: Runs scored when the ball misses both bat and batter
• Leg-byes: Runs scored when the ball hits the batter’s body (not the bat)

Overs: The Unit of Bowling

An “over” is cricket’s way of organizing the bowling. Each over consists of six legal deliveries (balls) bowled by one bowler from one end of the pitch.

Here’s what you need to know about overs:

• Six balls per over (excluding wides and no-balls)
• Different bowler for each over – the same bowler cannot bowl consecutive overs
• Bowlers switch ends after each over
• Limited overs formats restrict how many overs each bowler can bowl

Format-specific over rules:

• T20: Maximum 4 overs per bowler
• ODI: Maximum 10 overs per bowler
• Test: No restrictions on overs per bowler

No-Balls and Free Hits: When Bowlers Make Mistakes

When bowlers break certain rules while delivering the ball, it’s called a “no-ball.” This gives the batting team an advantage.

Common no-ball situations:

• Front-foot no-ball: Bowler’s front foot crosses the crease line
• High full-toss: Ball reaches the batter above waist height without bouncing
• Beamer: Ball aimed at the batter’s head area

What happens after a no-ball:

• Batting team gets one extra run automatically
• The ball must be bowled again
• Free hit: In limited-overs cricket, the next ball becomes a “free hit” where the batter cannot be dismissed (except by run-out)

Leg Before Wicket (LBW): Understanding a Complex Rule

LBW is often considered the most confusing rule in cricket, but it’s actually quite logical once you understand the basic principle.

The LBW rule in simple terms: A batter can be given out LBW if the ball hits their body and would have gone on to hit the stumps.

Key conditions for LBW:

• Ball must hit the batter’s body (usually the leg or pad)
• Ball must be in line with the stumps
• Umpire must believe the ball would have hit the stumps
• Ball cannot have hit the bat first

Modern cricket uses technology like Hawk-Eye and Ball Tracking to help umpires make more accurate LBW decisions.

Powerplay: Maximizing Runs Early

The powerplay is a special period in limited-overs cricket designed to encourage aggressive batting and more exciting cricket.

How powerplay works:

• Fielding restrictions apply during certain overs
• Limited fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle
• Batting team gets better chances to score boundaries

Powerplay periods:

Format	Powerplay Overs	Fielders Outside Circle
ODI	Overs 1-10	Maximum 2 fielders
T20	Overs 1-6	Maximum 2 fielders

The Follow-On Rule in Test Cricket

The follow-on rule only applies to Test cricket and creates some of the most dramatic moments in the longest format of the game.

When follow-on can be enforced:

• First team scores significantly more than the second team
• Minimum deficit: 200 runs (in 5-day Tests)
• Captain of the leading team decides whether to enforce follow-on

What happens in follow-on:

• The team that scored fewer runs must bat again immediately
• The leading team hasn’t batted in their second innings yet
• This can lead to dramatic comebacks or dominant victories

Famous follow-on matches: The 2001 Eden Gardens Test between India and Australia is one of the most famous follow-on comebacks in cricket history.

Duckworth-Lewis and VJD Methods: Rain-Interrupted Matches

Weather can interrupt cricket matches, especially in limited-overs formats. To ensure fair results, mathematical methods calculate revised targets.

Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method:

• Used internationally in most official matches
• Considers: Overs remaining and wickets in hand
• Adjusts the target based on the resources available to each team

VJD Method:

• Used primarily in Indian domestic cricket (like IPL)
• Similar principle to DLS but different calculations
• Fair target estimation when overs are lost

Example: If rain reduces a 50-over match to 30 overs, these methods calculate what would be a fair target for the team batting second.

Wides: Penalty for Errant Deliveries

A wide ball is called when the bowler delivers the ball too far from the batter’s reach, making it impossible for them to play a normal cricket shot.

When a wide is called:

• Ball passes too far outside the off-stump or leg-stump
• Ball is clearly out of the batter’s reach
• Umpire judges the ball as unfair to the batting side

Consequences of bowling a wide:

• One extra run added to the batting team’s score
• Ball must be bowled again (doesn’t count toward the over)
• Bowler’s figures are affected negatively

Bouncers and Beamers: Short and High Deliveries

Fast bowlers often use short-pitched deliveries (bouncers) as a tactical weapon, but there are rules to ensure player safety.

Bouncers:

• Short-pitched balls that rise toward the batter’s upper body
• Limited per over: Usually 1-2 bouncers allowed per over
• Tactical weapon to unsettle batters

Beamers:

• High full-tosses that reach the batter above waist height
• Always illegal and called as no-ball
• Dangerous delivery that can cause injury

Safety first: These rules ensure cricket remains competitive while protecting players from serious injury.

Run-Out: Timing is Key

A run-out occurs when the fielding team breaks the stumps while the batter is attempting to complete a run and is outside their crease.

How run-outs happen:

• Direct hit: Fielder throws ball directly at the stumps
• Wicket-keeper collection: Ball thrown to the keeper who breaks the stumps
• Close calls: Often decided by millimeters

Key elements of run-out:

• Batter must be outside the crease when stumps are broken
• Any part of the bat or body behind the crease line keeps the batter safe
• Both batters can be run out on the same delivery

Modern technology: TV replays and ultra-slow motion cameras help umpires make accurate run-out decisions.

Dead Ball: Stopping the Action

Sometimes, play needs to be stopped for various reasons. When this happens, the umpire calls “dead ball” and no further action can take place.

Common dead ball situations:

• Ball lodged in batter’s equipment
• Injury to any player
• Ball lost or damaged
• Umpire intervention for any reason

What happens after dead ball:

• No runs scored on that delivery
• Ball doesn’t count toward the over
• Play resumes with the same delivery bowled again

The Super Over: Settling Tied Matches

When limited-overs matches end in a tie, the excitement continues with a Super Over – cricket’s version of a penalty shootout.

Super Over rules:

• One over per team (6 balls each)
• Same playing conditions as the main match
• Three batters nominated by each team
• Team with higher score wins

Super Over process:

1. Coin toss decides which team bats first in Super Over
2. Same bowlers and wicket-keepers who finished the main match
3. If Super Over ties: Multiple Super Overs until there’s a winner

Famous Super Over: The 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand featured one of the most dramatic Super Overs in cricket history.

Other Important Cricket Rules and Regulations

Fielding Restrictions

Cricket has specific rules about where fielders can stand to ensure a fair balance between bat and ball.

Key fielding restrictions:

• Behind square leg: A Limited number of fielders allowed
• Close catchers: Restrictions on how many fielders can stand very close to the batter
• Powerplay restrictions: Special rules during powerplay overs in limited-overs cricket

Fair and Unfair Play

Cricket is known as a “gentleman’s game” with strong emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship.

Examples of unfair play:

• Ball tampering: Illegally altering the ball’s condition
• Time wasting: Deliberately slowing down the game
• Dissent: Arguing with umpires or showing poor behavior
• Dangerous play: Bowling repeatedly at a batter’s body

Consequences: Teams can face penalty runs, player suspensions, or even match forfeits for serious breaches of fair play.

Injuries and Substitutes

Player safety is paramount in cricket, and there are specific rules for handling injuries during matches.

Substitute fielder rules:

• Fielding only: Substitutes can only field, not bat or bowl
• Captain’s permission: Usually requires agreement from both teams
• Temporary basis: The Original player can return when fit

Concussion substitutes:

• New rule: Introduced for player safety
• Like-for-like replacement: The Substitute should have similar skills
• Can bat and bowl: Unlike regular substitutes

Why Knowing Cricket Rules is So Important?

Understanding cricket rules isn’t just about following the game – it enhances your entire cricket experience in several important ways.

For Players:

• Avoid penalties: Knowing rules helps prevent costly mistakes
• Better strategy: Understanding rules enables smarter game plans
• Increased confidence: Rule knowledge makes you a more confident player
• Respect from peers: Other players appreciate teammates who understand the game

For Spectators:

• Enhanced enjoyment: Understanding rules makes watching much more exciting
• Appreciate strategy: You’ll see the tactical battles happening on the field
• Join conversations: Discuss the game intelligently with other fans
• Support your team: A Better understanding helps you support more effectively

Building Cricket Culture: Cricket thrives when everyone – players, coaches, and fans – understands and respects the rules. This shared knowledge creates a stronger cricket community and helps preserve the sport’s rich traditions.

Professional Development: For those interested in cricket careers (playing, coaching, or commentary), solid rule knowledge is essential. It forms the foundation for all advanced cricket understanding.

FAQs:

• What are the basic rules of cricket?

Cricket is played between two teams of 11 players each. The basic objective is to score more runs than the opposing team. One team bats while the other bowls and fields. The batting team tries to hit the ball and score runs, while the bowling team tries to get the batters out and limit runs. The game is divided into innings, where each team gets turns to bat and bowl.

• What is LBW in cricket?

LBW stands for “Leg Before Wicket.” A batter can be dismissed LBW if the ball hits their body (usually the leg or pad) and the umpire believes the ball would have continued to hit the stumps. The ball must be in line with the stumps, cannot have hit the bat first, and must be judged likely to hit the stumps for an LBW decision.

• How many overs are in a cricket match?

The number of overs depends on the cricket format:

• Test Cricket: No limit on overs, matches can last up to 5 days
• One Day International (ODI): 50 overs per team
• Twenty20 (T20): 20 overs per team
• Other formats: Various local formats may have different over limits

• What is the power play in cricket?

Powerplay is a period in limited-overs cricket where fielding restrictions apply to encourage more aggressive batting. During powerplay overs, only a limited number of fielders (usually 2) are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. In ODIs, powerplay applies to the first 10 overs, while in T20s, it applies to the first 6 overs.

• Can a substitute player bat or bowl in cricket?

Traditionally, substitute players can only field – they cannot bat or bowl. However, cricket has introduced concussion substitute rules for player safety. If a player suffers a concussion during the match, a like-for-like substitute can be brought in who can bat, bowl, and field for the remainder of the match.

Conclusion:

Cricket might seem complex at first glance, but as we’ve seen through these 15 Rules of Cricket, the fundamentals are actually quite straightforward.

Each rule serves a specific purpose in creating fair, exciting, and strategic gameplay that has captivated millions of fans worldwide.

Remember that learning cricket is a journey, not a destination. Even professional players and commentators continue learning new aspects of the game throughout their careers.

Start with these basic rules, watch matches with this knowledge in mind, and gradually your understanding will deepen.

The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Cricket is called the “beautiful game” for good reason – it combines strategy, skill, athleticism, and mental toughness in ways that few other sports can match.

Whether you’re playing in your backyard, joining a local club, or simply watching your favorite team on television, understanding these rules will enrich your cricket experience immensely.

Take your time to absorb these concepts, don’t worry about remembering everything immediately, and most importantly, get out there and enjoy cricket in whatever way brings you the most joy.

The game has something to offer everyone, from casual fans to dedicated players.

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
• Match Legends: Cricket Updates on Point