New to cricket or just trying to keep up with the action? You’re not alone. The sport has lots of terms and rules that can be hard to follow—especially if you’ve never played or watched much.

Confused by powerplays, LBW, or overs? Don’t worry. Most beginners struggle at first because the game has many layers. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ve made a clear and easy-to-follow list of cricket rules and regulations that every player and fan should know. Whether you're watching the World Cup or playing a match at school, these basics will help you understand and enjoy the game more.

What Are the Basic Rules of Cricket?

Cricket is played between two teams of 11 players. One team bats, and the other bowls and fields. The goal is to score more runs than the other team.

The match takes place on a 22-yard-long pitch, with wickets (three stumps) at each end.

Match Types and Overs Explained

Different matches follow different formats, but the core rules remain the same.

  • Test Match – Played over five days with no over limit

  • ODI (One Day International) – 50 overs per team

  • T20 Match – 20 overs per team

An over consists of six legal deliveries bowled by one bowler.

15 Cricket Rules and Regulations You Must Know

Here are the most important rules you should understand, no matter which format you're watching or playing.

1. The Toss

The match begins with a coin toss. The winning captain chooses to bat or bowl first.

2. Team Composition

Each team has 11 players, including batsmen, bowlers, a wicketkeeper, and all-rounders.

3. Batting and Bowling

One team bats to score runs while the other bowls to get them out.

4. Runs

Runs are scored by:

  • Running between the wickets after hitting the ball

  • Hitting the ball to the boundary (4 runs)

  • Hitting over the boundary without the ball touching the ground (6 runs)

5. Wickets

Each team can lose up to 10 wickets in an innings. The inning ends when 10 players are out.

6. Types of Dismissals

A batsman can be out in several ways:

  • Bowled

  • Caught

  • LBW (Leg Before Wicket)

  • Run Out

  • Stumped

  • Hit Wicket

7. Overs and Bowler Limits

  • One bowler delivers six balls in an over.

  • In T20 and ODI, bowlers have a limit of 4 and 10 overs respectively.

8. Powerplays

In limited-overs matches, fielders are restricted during early overs to allow more scoring chances.

9. No-Ball and Free Hit

  • A no-ball is an illegal delivery (e.g. overstepping the crease).

  • In limited-overs matches, a no-ball gives the batsman a free hit.

10. Wide Ball

A delivery too far from the batsman is called wide and adds an extra run to the batting team.

11. Fielding Restrictions

Only a certain number of fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle during powerplays.

12. DRS (Decision Review System)

Each team can challenge umpire decisions using video replay. Common for LBW or catches.

13. Match Result

A match can end as:

  • Win

  • Loss

  • Tie

  • No Result (weather or incomplete match)

14. Weather Rules

The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is used to decide targets when rain affects a limited-overs match.

15. Super Over

If a T20 or ODI match ends in a tie, each team plays one extra over to break the tie.

Special Match Rules to Know

Substitutes

Substitute fielders are allowed but cannot bowl, bat, or captain. They can only field.

Overthrows

If the fielding side throws the ball and it goes beyond the boundary, the batting team gets extra runs.

Bouncer Rules

In limited-overs matches, only one bouncer (short-pitched delivery) is allowed per over.

How Cricket Rules Change Match Strategy

Rules are not just formalities—they shape how the game is played.

  • In T20s, powerplays push batsmen to score fast

  • In Tests, no over limit lets bowlers attack with longer spells

  • No-balls and wides can swing matches at the end

This is why cricket rules and regulations affect every single game, no matter the level.

Short Terms Every Cricket Fan Should Know

  • Innings: A team’s turn to bat

  • Over: 6 balls bowled by one bowler

  • Strike Rate: Runs scored per 100 balls

  • Economy Rate: Runs given per over by a bowler

  • Century: 100 runs by one batsman

  • All-Rounder: A player who bats and bowls

Why Are These Rules Important for Beginners?

Learning the basic cricket rules helps you:

  • Follow matches better

  • Know when to cheer or react

  • Understand umpire decisions

  • Enjoy the sport more fully

Even if you’re not playing, knowing the rules brings the game to life.

Common Questions About Cricket Rules

Who creates the rules of cricket?
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is responsible for cricket laws worldwide.

How many overs are there in a T20 game?
Each team gets 20 overs to bat.

What happens if a batsman is bowled on a free hit?
He cannot be dismissed by most methods except run-out.

How does DRS work in cricket?
It uses video and ball-tracking to review umpire decisions.

Can you score off a no-ball?
Yes, and the batting side also gets a free hit in limited-overs games.

Why do powerplays matter so much?
They limit fielders, giving batsmen a better chance to score.

What’s the difference between a tie and a no result?
A tie means equal scores. A no result means the game couldn’t be finished.

Is there a penalty for slow over-rate?
Yes, teams can be fined or even lose points in tournaments.

Can the wicketkeeper bowl?
Yes, but someone else must keep wicket during that time.

How is a wide different from a no-ball?
A wide is based on ball placement. A no-ball is about how it’s bowled.

Final Thoughts: Know the Cricket Rules, Love the Game More

Once you learn the key cricket rules and regulations, the game becomes much more fun to watch or play. You’ll start to notice the small details, enjoy the close calls, and understand the decisions made by players and umpires.

If this guide helped clear up the rules for you, pass it along to a friend who’s also learning. Or try watching a match with these rules fresh in mind—you’ll notice how much smoother it all feels.