The Foundation of Cricket: Rules Every Player Should Learn

If you're stepping onto the cricket field for the first time, the game can seem overwhelming. There are so many terms, rules, and match types that it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. Many players give up early because they don’t have a clear grasp of the rules.

This blog solves that problem. Whether you're a school student, club cricketer, or someone who’s just curious about the sport, this is your easy guide to the rules of cricket. We break down the basics, explain how matches work, and list the 15 rules of cricket every player must learn to enjoy the game.

What Is Cricket and Why Do the Rules Matter?

Cricket is a sport where two teams compete to score the most runs. One team bats while the other bowls and fields. It’s played in many formats—from short T20 games to long 5-day Tests—but the cricket rules and regulations mostly stay the same.

Learning the correct rules helps you:

• Understand what’s happening in a match

• Play with confidence

• Follow umpire decisions

• Build good habits early

Basic Cricket Terms Every Player Should Know

Before we get into the rules, here are some simple terms you'll hear often:

• Wicket: Stumps and bails, or a dismissal

• Over: 6 legal balls bowled by one player

• Innings: A team’s turn to bat

• Run: Unit of scoring

• Boundary: Ball reaches rope for 4 or 6 runs

• Pitch: 22-yard strip between the wickets

• Umpire: Match official who makes decisions

15 Rules of Cricket Every Player Should Learn

These rules apply to almost every level of cricket—from local matches to internationals.

1. Teams and Players

Each team has 11 players. One team bats, the other bowls and fields.

2. The Toss

Captains toss a coin before the match. The winner decides whether to bat or bowl first.

3. Match Formats

• T20: 20 overs

• ODI: 50 overs

• Test: No over limit, lasts up to 5 days

4. Batting Basics

Two players bat at a time. The goal is to score runs while avoiding getting out.

5. Bowling and Overs

One bowler delivers six legal balls per over. The bowling team switches ends after each over.

6. Runs and Boundaries

• 1 to 3 runs: Run between wickets

• 4 runs: Ball hits ground then reaches boundary

• 6 runs: Ball crosses boundary in the air

7. Dismissals (Ways to Get Out)

A player can be out by:

• Bowled

• Caught

• LBW

• Run out

• Stumped

• Hit wicket

8. No Ball and Wide Ball

• No Ball: Overstepping or illegal delivery

• Wide Ball: Too far from batsman’s reach

Both give extra runs and another delivery.

9. Powerplay Rules

In limited-over formats, the first few overs limit where fielders can stand.

10. Free Hit Rule

After a no ball in T20 or ODI, the next ball is a free hit—batsman can’t be out in most ways.

11. Umpire Signals

Umpires use hand signals to show decisions like out, four, six, no ball, and wide.

12. Field Restrictions

Rules control how many players can be outside the circle at different points in the match.

13. Follow-On (Test Matches)

If one team leads by a large margin after the first innings, it can make the other team bat again.

14. Review System (DRS)

Players can challenge umpire calls using video replays. Most formats now use DRS.

15. Match Result Types

• Win: One team scores more runs

• Tie: Both teams score same runs

• No result: Match incomplete due to weather or time

How Scoring Works in Cricket

Scoring is simple once you understand the types of runs:

• Running Runs: Run between wickets

• Extras: Wide, no ball, byes, leg byes

• Boundary Runs: 4 or 6

Umpires signal each run type to the scorer.

How a Match Progresses

Here's how a typical match flows:

1. Toss happens

2. Batting team sends two players

3. Fielding team assigns bowler and fielders

4. Overs are bowled; batsmen try to score

5. Wickets fall or overs end

6. Teams switch roles

Simple Tips for New Players

If you're just starting, focus on these:

• Watch matches with commentary

• Learn from older players

• Ask questions during practice

• Play backyard or tape ball cricket

• Learn how to hold the bat and grip the ball

Common Cricket Questions for Beginners

What are the most important rules in cricket?

Every player should know how many players per team, how runs are scored, how to get out, and how overs work.

How many overs are there in a match?

It depends on the format:

• T20: 20 overs per team

• ODI: 50 overs per team

• Test: No limit

What is a no ball?

A no ball is when the bowler breaks the rules—usually by overstepping the crease.

How is a batsman out?

There are many ways: bowled, caught, LBW, run out, stumped, or hit wicket.

Can a match end with no winner?

Yes. It can be a tie or no result if rain or bad light stops the game.

Who decides the winner?

The team with the most runs wins the match. In some cases, a Super Over is used to break ties.

What is a free hit?

After a no ball in T20 or ODI, the next ball is a free hit. The batsman can't be out except run out.

What does LBW mean?

It stands for “Leg Before Wicket.” It happens when the ball hits the batsman’s leg and would have hit the stumps.

Why do umpires have hand signals?

To clearly show decisions to players and the audience without speaking.

Can a bowler bowl two overs in a row?

No. Another bowler must bowl from the opposite end after one over.

Final Thoughts: Learn the Rules, Play with Confidence

Cricket may seem hard at first, but once you understand the foundation of cricket and the rules every player should learn, it becomes simple and fun. These 15 rules will help you feel more prepared and enjoy the game more, whether you're on the field or watching from the stands.

Start with the basics, keep playing, and soon it’ll all make sense.

Have a question or want to share your first cricket experience? Leave a comment below!