How To Play Cricket | The Complete Rule Book 2024, New Rules Inclusion

How To Play Cricket – The 360 Rule Book

How To Play Cricket? Cricket, often regarded as “the gentleman’s game,” is a bat-and-ball sport that thrives on centuries of tradition as well as modern evolution. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and mental toughness that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. The game is played between two teams, each comprising 11 players. We will delve into how cricket is played and outline the updated rules and regulations as provided by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Players and Roles

• Batsmen – aim to score as many runs as possible by hitting the ball bowled at them.
• Bowlers – attempt to dismiss the batsmen by either hitting the stumps, trapping the batsman in front of the wickets (leg before wicket), or forcing mistakes that lead to a catch.
• Fielders – support the bowlers by catching the ball, throwing at the stumps, or stopping runs.
• Wicketkeepers – stand behind the wicket to catch balls the batsman doesn’t hit and to stump batsmen who stray from their crease.
• All-rounders – contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
• Captains – lead the teams and strategize the game plan.

Team and Players

Cricket teams consist of 11 players each. The game takes place on a rectangular field with a 22-yard-long pitch at its center. The pitch has two sets of three stumps, known as wickets, at each end. One team bats while the other fields. The roles include batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders who excel in both batting and bowling.

The Toss

Before the match begins, a coin toss determines which team will bat or bowl first. The winning captain decides based on the team’s strategy and the conditions of the pitch.

Innings

A cricket match is divided into innings. Each team gets the opportunity to bat and bowl in an inning. During an inning, the batting team aims to score runs, while the fielding team seeks to dismiss batsmen and limit the runs scored.

Scoring Runs

Batsmen take turns facing deliveries from the opposing team’s bowlers. Runs are scored by hitting the ball and running between the wickets. Boundaries, denoted by a four or six, result from hitting the ball to or over the boundary rope without it touching the ground.

Wickets and Dismissals

Wickets are crucial in cricket. The batting team aims to protect the stumps, while the bowling team tries to hit the stumps or induce other dismissals like catches and LBW (leg before wicket). Bowlers deliver the ball with different techniques, including fast bowling, spin bowling, and swing bowling.

Game Format: Overs and Innings

The game is divided into sessions called innings, where each team has the opportunity to bat and bowl. An inning concludes when ten of the eleven batsmen are dismissed or a predetermined number of overs are bowled. An over consists of six deliveries, and various formats like Test(Lasting up to five days), One Day Internationals (ODIs)(50 Over per side), and T20s(20 over per side) determine the number of overs per inning.
Cricket is a sport governed by a set of rules and regulations outlined by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC provides official documents and a Playing Handbook that encapsulates the main regulations for international cricket, covering Test Matches and One-Day Internationals.

Overs

An over consists of six deliveries bowled by the same bowler. After six balls, another bowler takes over. The number of overs in an inning is predetermined and varies in different formats of the game (Test, One Day International, and T20).

Fielding Positions

Fielders strategically position themselves to stop runs and take catches. Common positions include slips, gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, mid-wicket, and fine leg.

Power Plays and Field Restrictions

Limited-over formats have power plays, where fielding restrictions are imposed for a specified period. This encourages aggressive play. For 50 over game the power

1. In 50-over cricket, Power Plays refer to specific phases within an inning where fielding restrictions are applied. According to the latest regulations set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), there are three distinct forms of Power Plays:
2. First Powerplay (Overs 1-10): During the initial 10 overs, fielding restrictions are in place. In this period, a maximum of two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule aims to encourage aggressive batting in the early stages of the inning and set the tone for the match.
3. Second Powerplay (Overs 11-40): From the 11th to the 40th over, a more relaxed set of fielding restrictions is enforced. Up to four fielders are permitted outside the 30-yard circle during this phase. This allows the batting team to build their innings with a bit more freedom.
4. Third Powerplay (Overs 41-50): In the final 10 overs, also known as the death overs, another set of restrictions come into play. Only a maximum of five fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This phase is crucial, especially for the batting side, as they aim to accelerate the run rate and finish the inning on a high note.

These Power Plays add strategic elements to the game, influencing team tactics and gameplay strategies during different stages of the inning.

Power Play in 50 over & T-20 cricket

In 20-over cricket, commonly known as T20 cricket, Power Plays refer to specific phases within an inning where fielding restrictions are applied to add excitement and encourage aggressive play. As per the latest regulations, the different forms of Power Plays are:

1. First Powerplay (Overs 1-6): During the initial six overs, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule aims to facilitate aggressive batting, allowing the batting team to capitalize on the fielding restrictions and set a strong foundation for the inning.
2. Mandatory Powerplay (Overs 1-6) in T20 Internationals: In T20 International matches, the first six overs are designated as the Mandatory Powerplay. During this period, no more than two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, intensifying the pressure on the fielding side.
3. General Powerplay Rules: Throughout the 20 overs, there are variations in fielding restrictions, but the most significant restrictions are concentrated in the first six overs, creating a dynamic and thrilling start to T20 matches.

These Power Plays contribute to the fast-paced and entertaining nature of T20 cricket, offering strategic opportunities for both batting and bowling teams.

Review System

The Decision Review System (DRS) allows teams to challenge on-field umpire decisions. This technology-driven system involves ball-tracking and ultra-edge to provide more accurate decisions.

Bowling Styles

Bowlers contribute to the dynamic nature of cricket with diverse styles. The two primary categories are pace and spin bowling. Fast bowlers employ techniques like bouncers, yorkers, and cutters, while spin bowlers use variations like googly, slider, and carrom ball.

Cricketing Shots

Straight Drive: A classic shot played with a straight bat along the ground down the pitch.

Cover Drive: Similar to the straight drive but played towards the cover region.

Square Drive: A powerful shot played with an angled bat, directing the ball square on the off side.

Leg Glance: A delicate shot where the batsman redirects the ball behind square on the leg side.

Sweep: Executed by bending the knees and sweeping the ball to the leg side, effective against spin.

Cut: A horizontal bat shot played to a short-pitched delivery outside off stump.

Uppercut: Lifts the ball over the slips or gully region using an angled bat.

Switch Hit: Batsmen change their stance from right to left or vice versa before the bowler delivers.

Dil-scoop: Innovatively played by scooping the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head.

Reverse Scoop: Similar to the dil-scoop but executed on the opposite side.

Paddle Scoop: A deft shot played by paddling the ball fine on the leg side.

Periscope Shot: A unique shot where the bat is lifted high, resembling a periscope.

Helicopter Shot: Popularized by MS Dhoni, involves a powerful whip-like motion with the bat.

Understanding and mastering these shots allow batsmen to adapt to different bowlers and game situations effectively.

Tie Breakers/Draw:

In cricket, a tie occurs when both teams score the same number of runs by the end of the match. Tie-breakers are mechanisms designed to decide the winner in such situations.

One common tie-breaker is the boundary count rule, where the team hitting more boundaries throughout the match is declared the winner. However, this rule has faced criticism for being subjective.

Another tie-breaker involves considering the number of wickets lost. The team losing fewer wickets may be declared the winner.

Super Overs:

A Super Over is a thrilling tie-breaking method used to determine the winner in limited-overs cricket, such as T20Is and ODIs. It involves both teams facing one additional over each.

In a Super Over, each team bats for a single over, and the team scoring the most runs in that over is declared the winner. The batting and bowling sides are chosen based on mutual agreement or through a predetermined method.

If the Super Over itself ends in a tie, several tie-breaker rules, like boundary count or wickets lost, may be applied to determine the winner.

Significance of Super Overs:

Super Overs gained significant attention, especially in T20 cricket and major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup. They add excitement to the game and provide a decisive outcome when traditional tie-breakers may not.

World Cup Scenarios:

In events like the Cricket World Cup, if a knockout match ends in a tie, a Super Over is played. If the Super Over also ends in a tie, subsequent Super Overs are played until a conclusive winner is found.

In conclusion, tie-breakers and super-overs play a crucial role in ensuring a decisive outcome in cricket matches, enhancing the drama and intensity of the game.

Updated ICC Rules and Regulations

 The Ban on Using Saliva (Effective from September 20, 2022): To shine the ball, players can no longer use saliva, a rule instituted in the wake of health concerns. Sweat remains permissible for ball shining.

New Batter at the Crease: Following a dismissal, incoming batters must be ready to face the bowler within two minutes in Tests and ODIs, and 90 seconds in T20Is.

‘Mankad’ Running Out the Non-striker: The infamous ‘Mankad’ dismissal has been made more batsman-friendly. Bowlers must now endeavor not to deceive the non-striker in the act of delivering the ball.

Penalty Runs: From November 21, 2023, the bowling side may be penalized five runs for repeated infringements of specific conduct on the field, mainly aimed at maintaining the spirit of the game.

Eligibility in Women’s Cricket: In a landmark rule change, individuals who have experienced male puberty now have certain restrictions on their eligibility to participate in women’s cricket.

Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Regulations: The ICC has introduced measures to assess the quality of playing surfaces, ensuring pitches facilitate a fair contest between bat and ball.

Other Notable Rules and Regulations

1.  Teams are now offered two unsuccessful review requests per innings in ODIs and T20Is, in line with the Decision Review System (DRS), a technology-based aid for adjudicating umpiring decisions.
2.  Law 42, concerning player conduct, establishes penalties for various degrees of on-field misconduct, ranging from reprimands to match bans.
3. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is used to calculate the target score for the team batting second in rain-affected matches.

Spirit of Cricket

Cricket emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play. The Spirit of Cricket, endorsed by the ICC, encourages players to respect opponents, umpires, and the game itself.

Penalties and Code of Conduct

Cricket, like any other sport, upholds a strict Code of Conduct to maintain fair play, discipline, and sportsmanship. The International Cricket Council (ICC) enforces a comprehensive Code of Conduct that outlines various offenses and the corresponding penalties. Here are key aspects of penalties and the Code of Conduct in cricket:

Levels of Offenses:

The Code of Conduct categorizes offenses into four levels, each with a range of penalties. Level 1 offenses are less severe, while Level 4 offenses are more serious and can lead to significant sanctions, including suspensions or bans.

Penalties:

Penalties for offenses include fines, warnings, demerit points, and suspensions. The severity of the penalty depends on the level of the offense and the player’s disciplinary history. Level 1 offenses typically result in warnings or fines, while higher-level offenses may lead to suspensions.

Match Referee Role:

A Match Referee presides over the disciplinary process, assessing the severity of the offense and determining the appropriate penalty. The Match Referee’s decisions are binding and contribute to maintaining the integrity of the game.

Players’ Conduct Law:

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), as the custodian of the Laws of Cricket, also addresses players’ conduct. For example, if a Level 1 offense follows a prior offense by the same team, the opposing team is awarded 5 Penalty runs.

History and Evolution:

The ICC periodically reviews and updates the Code of Conduct to address emerging issues and ensure its relevance. Over the years, the Code has evolved to maintain a balance between being tough on disciplinary matters and fair to players

1. Official Documents

The ICC’s official documents serve as a comprehensive guide to cricket rules and regulations. These documents cater to players, members, officials, and personnel involved in maintaining the standards of play.

2. Playing Handbook

The ICC Playing Handbook is a crucial resource that consolidates the fundamental regulations governing international cricket. It delves into playing conditions for Test Matches and One-Day Internationals, ensuring consistency and fairness across the sport.

3. Laws of Cricket

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is the custodian of the Laws of Cricket. These laws are the backbone of the sport, covering various aspects such as the pitch, the bat, the ball, and player conduct.

Conclusion

Cricket is an involving game that entails precision, tactical acuity, and physical prowess. The game’s rules are governed by the ICC with a focus on fairness and safety, ensuring that cricket continues to evolve while preserving its integrity. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a novice to the sport, understanding these rules enhances your appreciation of cricket’s complexities and the skill level of those who play it at the highest level.

To know about GOAT of INDIAN Cricket Click Here – Cricket Taaza

FAQS – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is a cricket pitch made?
   Ans – Ground Preparation: Begin by leveling and clearing the ground, removing debris, and addressing any uneven surfaces.
   Reducing Height of Cut: Ensure a well-maintained playing surface by thinning out the grass canopy through a careful reduction in the height of the cut.
   Brushing, Mowing, and Rolling: Achieve the desired playing conditions by brushing, mowing, and rolling the pitch to perfection.
   Scarification (Raking Out): Promote a healthier playing surface by raking or scarifying the pitch, eliminating thatch, and ensuring optimal conditions.
   Irrigation: Maintain ideal moisture levels through proper watering, a crucial step to uphold the pitch’s quality and playability.
   Pitch Installation: Complete the construction process by installing the cricket pitch, ensuring a suitable and durable playing surface.
2. Can cricket overtake football?
   Ans – Football (soccer) maintains its position as the most popular sport globally, with cricket holding a strong second place. The potential for cricket to overtake football on a global scale remains challenging, but cricket’s popularity is growing, especially with impactful events like the 2023 World Cup.
3. How Cricket Balls are made?
   Ans – The manufacturing process of cricket balls involves several steps:Cork Core Formation: A small, rounded central sphere of cork is taken to form the core of the cricket ball.
   String Winding: A bit of string is tightly wound around the cork core, providing a foundation for the subsequent layers.
   Leather Cutting: Pieces of leather are cut into shape and are used to cover the cork and string layers.
   Stitching: The two halves of the leather covering are stitched together, enclosing the cork and string layers within.
   Quality Control: The stitched ball undergoes quality control checks to ensure it meets the required standards.
   Final Polishing: The finished cricket ball is polished to enhance its appearance and performance on the field.
   Various manufacturers may have specific techniques, and innovations, but these are the fundamental steps in cricket ball production.
4. When was Cricket started?
   Ans – Cricket’s documented history traces back to England in the late 16th century. The earliest definite reference to the sport dates to a legal case at Guildford on Monday, 17 January 1597. Over the centuries, cricket evolved into an established sport in 18th-century England. By 1611, references indicate cricket being played as an adult sport and described as a boys’ game in the same year. The period from 1890 to the outbreak of the First World War is known as the “Golden Age of cricket,” featuring prominent figures like W.G. Grace. While the exact origin is not precisely known, cricket is believed to have roots possibly as early as the 13th century, evolving from a game where country boys bowled at a tree stump or a hurdle gate.
5. Where was the cricket World-Cup held in 2023?
   Ans – The 2023 Cricket World Cup took place in India, and the final showdown occurred at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19. Australia secured victory in the final, emerging as the champions of the tournament.
6. Who is the God of Cricket?
   Ans – The moniker “God of Cricket” is frequently associated with Sachin Tendulkar. Acknowledged as one of cricket’s all-time greatest batsmen, Sachin Tendulkar has garnered extraordinary success, earning acclaim as the most prolific batsman in the world.
7. Why is Virat Kohli called King?
   Ans – Virat Kohli is commonly known as “King Kohli” owing to his extraordinary cricketing abilities and leadership qualities. Acknowledged as one of the finest batsmen in cricket history, Kohli has consistently showcased remarkable performances as a batsman and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills while captaining the Indian cricket team. His aggressive playing style, impressive run-scoring capabilities, and the significant success he has contributed to the team have led to the affectionate and regal moniker “King Kohli.”
8. Has Virat Kohli won a World-Cup?
   Ans – Virat Kohli won the Cricket World Cup as a member of the Indian team in two editions:In 2011, India won the Cricket World Cup, and Kohli was part of the victorious squad. In 2013, Kohli was again part of the Indian team that secured victory in the ICC Champions Trophy.
9. Who is the youngest cricketer in cricket history?
   Ans – The title of the youngest cricketer in cricket history goes to Hasan Raza from Pakistan. Officially recognized, Hasan Raza made his Test debut at the age of 14 years and 227 days, becoming the youngest player to feature in a Test match.
10. Who is called the spin King in Cricket?
    Ans – The moniker “Spin King” is frequently linked to Shane Warne in the realm of cricket. Hailing from Australia, Warne stands as a legendary right-arm leg-spinner, celebrated for his outstanding spin-bowling prowess. His instrumental role in steering Australia to success has solidified his status as one of the premier spin bowlers in cricket history. The epithet “Spin King” is a testament to Warne’s supremacy and impact as a spin bowler, marking a remarkable and influential tenure in his illustrious cricketing journey.