Cricket IQ — The Rulebook
The Rulebook
ICC Cricket Laws Explained Simply
35 rules. Every gotcha explained. Know exactly what the umpire's thinking before they raise the finger.
Law 37 — Obstructing the Field
A batter is allowed to protect themselves from injury. If a fielder throws the ball at the batter's body and the batter raises a hand to protect their face, that is not obstruction — even if it deflects the ball away from the stumps.
In a match
A fielder chases the ball towards the boundary. A batter standing nearby stretches out their arm and knocks the ball away to prevent a run out — out obstructing the field.
35 laws
All Cricket Laws
Caught
A batter is out if a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground.
Bowled
A batter is out if the ball, delivered by the bowler, hits and dislodges a bail from the stumps.
Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
A batter is out LBW if the ball would have hit the stumps but was intercepted by the batter's body (usually the pad).
Run Out
A batter is out run out if they are out of their crease when a fielder puts down the wicket with the ball.
Stumped
A batter is out stumped if the wicket-keeper puts down the wicket while the batter is out of their crease and has not attempted a run.
Hit Wicket
A batter is out hit wicket if they dislodge the bails with their bat or body while playing a shot or setting off for the first run.
Obstructing the Field
A batter is out if they wilfully obstruct or distract a fielder from fielding the ball.
Hit the Ball Twice
A batter is out if they deliberately hit the ball a second time — except to defend their wicket.
Timed Out
An incoming batter must be ready to face the next ball within 3 minutes of the previous wicket falling.
No-Ball — Overstepping
A no-ball is called when the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease at the moment of delivery.
No-Ball — Height & Dangerous
A ball is a no-ball if it passes above the batter's waist on the full, or above shoulder height after bouncing.
Wide Ball
A ball is called wide if it passes out of reach of the batter in their normal guard position.
Dead Ball
The ball is dead when it is clearly in the wicket-keeper's or bowler's hands, or after a dismissal or boundary.
Boundaries
Four runs are scored when the ball reaches the boundary after touching the ground. Six runs when it clears the boundary without bouncing.
Fielder Obstructing the Ball
A fielder must not wilfully obstruct a batter in running between wickets.
Fielding Restrictions (Limited Overs)
In limited-overs cricket, the number of fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle is restricted during certain overs.
Ball Tampering
Fielders may not artificially alter the condition of the ball — only natural wear and the application of sweat or saliva are permitted.
Lost Ball
If the ball is lost, the fielding captain can call 'lost ball' and the batting side keeps whichever is greater — the runs already scored or 6 runs.
The Crease
A batter is safe from run out and stumping only when part of their bat or body is grounded behind the popping crease.
Batter Leaving the Crease
A batter who leaves the crease during play without the ball being dead can be run out or stumped.
Scoring Runs
Runs are scored when both batters complete a run — crossing and reaching their respective creases.
Leg Byes
Runs scored off the batter's body (not the bat) are leg byes — but only if the batter attempted a shot or moved to avoid the ball.
Practice on the Field
Batters and fielders may not practice on the pitch or square during play or between innings without the umpires' permission.
Players and Substitutes
Substitutes may field but cannot bat, bowl, or keep wicket — unless they are replacing an injured or ill player under concussion substitute rules.
Innings
An innings ends when 10 wickets fall, the captain declares, or the allotted overs are completed.
Start of Play & The Toss
The captain winning the toss decides whether to bat or field first. Play starts when the umpire calls 'play'.
The Umpires
Umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. Their decisions are final.
Intervals
Lunch, tea, and drinks breaks are fixed intervals. Umpires control when they happen.
Spirit of Cricket
Players are expected to play hard but fair, respecting opponents, umpires, and the game itself.
Time Wasting
Deliberate time wasting — by batting or fielding side — is unfair play and can result in penalty runs.
Sledging & Player Conduct
Players may not use language or actions that could intimidate, distract, or abuse opponents or umpires.
The Pitch
The pitch is 22 yards long and 10 feet wide. Players must not damage it deliberately.
The Ball
The ball must weigh between 155.9 and 163 grams and have a circumference of 22.4 to 22.9 cm.
The Wickets
Three stumps and two bails form a wicket. The overall width is 9 inches, height 28 inches.
The Bowling Crease
The bowling crease passes through the middle stump and is 8 feet 8 inches long on each side.
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