Powerplay (cricket)
A Powerplay is a rule introduced in 1991 concerning fielding restrictions in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
The Powerplay was intended to add to the excitement in ODI cricket. In a Powerplay fielding restrictions are applied on the fielding team, only 2 or 3 players are allowed outside the 30 yard circle which depends upon the type of powerplay. There are three Powerplays in an ODI cricket match.
[edit] Powerplay Rules
In an uninterrupted match, the first 10 overs of an innings will be a mandatory Powerplay. No team/captain can change the occurrence of this powerplay. The other two Powerplays are a block of five overs; one block shall be taken at the discretion of the fielding captain and the other at the discretion of either of the batsmen at the wicket. They can be referred to as Bowling and Batting Powerplays.
During the mandatory Powerplay only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle and there must be a minimum of two stationary fielders within the applicable fielding restriction area measured from the striker’s end at the instant of delivery. During Bowling and Batting Powerplay overs, only three fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. During the non Powerplay overs, no more than five fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area.
From October 1, 2011, the ICC brought changes to the Bowling and Batting Powerplays. Under the new rules, in a 50-over match, neither Powerplay may be taken before the start of the 16th over and both must be completed before the commencement of the 41st over, so overs 11 to 15 and 41 to 50 cannot be Powerplay overs. Should either or both teams choose not to exercise their discretion, their Powerplay overs will automatically commence at the latest available point in the innings (e.g. in a 50-over innings with one unclaimed Powerplay, it will begin at the start of the 36th over).
When the batting team's number of overs is reduced, the number of Powerplay overs shall be reduced in accordance with the table below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the first and second innings of the match.
| Innings Duration | First Powerplay | Fielding Powerplay | Batting Powerplay | Powerplay Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 - 21 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| 22 - 23 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 9 |
| 24 – 26 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 10 |
| 27 - 28 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 11 |
| 29 – 31 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 32 – 33 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| 34 – 36 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 14 |
| 37 – 38 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 15 |
| 39 – 41 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| 42 – 43 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 17 |
| 44 – 46 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 18 |
| 47 – 48 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 19 |
| 49 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
