Cricket Rules & Regulations

Test Cricket is the longest and oldest format, played over a maximum of 5 days with each team batting twice. A minimum of 90 overs must be bowled per day. There is no limit on individual innings length. Test matches can end in a win, loss, draw (time runs out), or tie (scores level with all innings completed). Test cricket is considered the ultimate examination of a cricketer's skill, technique, temperament, and endurance. Only teams with ICC Test status can play official Test matches. One Day Internationals (ODIs) are limited to 50 overs per side, played in a single day (approximately 8 hours). Each bowler can bowl a maximum of 10 overs. ODIs were introduced in 1971 and revolutionized cricket by making it more accessible and exciting for spectators. The ODI World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most watched sporting events globally. Key rule differences include mandatory fielding restrictions during powerplay overs and the use of two new balls (one from each end). Twenty20 (T20) is the shortest international format with 20 overs per side, typically completed in about 3 hours. Each bowler may bowl a maximum of 4 overs. T20 cricket was introduced in 2003 and has become hugely popular worldwide. It spawned franchise leagues like the IPL, BPL, and LPL. T20 rules include a free hit after a no-ball, strategic timeouts, and specific powerplay configurations. The T20 World Cup has been held since 2007. The Hundred is a newer format using 100 balls per side instead of traditional overs. Each bowler can deliver either 5 or 10 consecutive balls. It was introduced by the ECB in 2021 to attract new audiences to cricket. First-Class Cricket includes domestic multi-day matches (3-5 days) with two innings per side, including famous tournaments like the Ranji Trophy (India), Sheffield Shield (Australia), and County Championship (England). List A Cricket is the domestic equivalent of ODIs with limited overs per side.