Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players. It’s a great sport with some formats, like Test Cricket, One Day Internationals (ODI), and T20, which makes it one of the most famous sports in the world.
Cricket comprises complex rules, and the 10 basic rules of cricket provide an overview of scoring, dismissals, fielding regulation, and umpiring decisions to help beginners read the game better.
The Objective of the Game
The game’s goal is for teams to outscore each other while the batting side gets its batsmen out within a certain number of overs or innings. The team that scores the maximum runs at the end wins the match.
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The Playing Field
A cricket ground is an oval-shaped field with a 22-yard pitch in the center. This game is played with a bat, ball, and two sets of wickets at either end of the pitch.
Batting and Bowling Turns
Each team will bat and bowl once. The object of the batting team is to score runs, while that of the bowling team is to prevent runs and dismiss the batsmen.
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Scoring Runs
Runs can be scored by batsmen by running between the wickets or hitting boundaries:
- Single runs and multiples: Batsmen run between the stumps to accumulate runs.
- Four runs: If the ball reaches the boundary after bouncing.
- Six runs: If the ball crosses the boundary without touching the ground.
- Extras: Additional runs awarded for no-balls, wides, byes, and leg byes.
Dismissing a Batsman
A batsman can be dismissed in several ways:
- Bowled: The ball hits the stumps, dislodging the bails.
- Caught: The fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground.
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket): The ball strikes the batsman’s leg before hitting the bat, which would have hit the stumps.
- Run Out: The batsman fails to reach the crease before the ball strikes the stumps.
- Stumped: The wicketkeeper removes the bails when the batsman is outside the crease.
- Hit Wicket: The batsman accidentally hits the stumps with their bat or body.
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The Over System
An over is a set of six legal deliveries bowled by a single bowler. At each end of the pitch, there is a bowler who will take over after an over that is another bowler at the end of the pitch.
Fielding Restrictions
This was done to balance the game as Fielding restrictions are different as per format:
- Powerplay overs: Limited fielders outside the 30-yard circle in ODIs and T20s.
- Slip cordon: Close fielders positioned to catch edged balls.
- Defensive and attacking field placements: Strategies to control runs and take wickets.
No-Balls and Wides
- No-ball: An illegal delivery, such as overstepping the crease or a high full toss, gives one extra run and a free hit in limited-overs formats.
- Wide ball: When a delivery is too far beyond the batsman’s reach to make a contest of it, granting the batting side an extra run.
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Match Formats
Different formats of cricket have different rules:
- Test Cricket: Played over five days with two innings per team and no over-restrictions.
- One Day International (ODI): Limited to 50 overs per side.
- T20 Cricket: Each team plays a maximum of 20 overs, leading to a faster-paced game.
Umpire Decisions
Umpires keep the game in check by making critical decisions:
- On-field umpires: Manage the game and adjudicate dismissals, no-balls, wides, and other violations.
- Third umpire (DRS – Decision Review System): Used to review controversial decisions through replays.
Conclusion
Cricket is a complex but interesting game that requires intricate knowledge of its rules and strategies. Every part of the sport becomes important, from batting techniques to fielding strategies. So, if you’re a new fan or a novice player, as long as you know these 10 important rules, you’ll have a greater appreciation and enjoyment of the game. Follow this space for more updates about cricket.
FAQs
1. How many players are in a cricket team?
Each cricket team has 11 players, including batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders.
2. What happens if a match ends in a tie?
- Test matches: Can end in a draw if time runs out.
- ODIs & T20s: A Super Over determines the winner if scores are tied.
3. How long does a cricket match last?
- Test matches: Up to five days.
- ODIs: Around 7-8 hours.
- T20s: Around 3 hours.
4. What is a free hit in cricket?
A free hit is awarded after a no-ball, where the batsman cannot be dismissed by a bowler except through a run-out.
5. What is the role of a wicketkeeper?
A wicketkeeper stands behind the stumps, catching balls missed by the batsman and attempting to dismiss them through catches or stumpings.

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