Indoor Cricket Rules | Scoring, and Gameplay A Simple Guide for Everyone

Published: 18 Jan 2025

Indoor cricket is a fast and fun version of traditional cricket. It’s played inside a closed space usually within a net. If you love cricket but want a quicker and more exciting way to play, this form of cricket is perfect for you!

Table of Content

Indoor Cricket: A Fun Twist on the Classic Game
What Makes Indoor Cricket Different?
The Rules For Indoor Cricket
Scoring Rules in Indoor Cricket
Ways to Get Out
Different Rules in Different Places
How to Play Smart
Why Is Indoor Cricket So Much Fun?
A Great Game for Everyone
Final Thoughts

Indoor Cricket: A Fun Twist on the Classic Game

Indoor cricket is a fun and exciting version of traditional outdoor cricket it is played in a smaller and enclosed space. Imagine all the action of cricket but in a smaller area with faster gameplay. It’s a great way to enjoy the sport, especially when you just want to try something different and quickly. But before you head to the game place you need to understand its rules. Let’s go over the rules so you can understand and play the game well.

What Makes Indoor Cricket Different?

Smaller Playing Area: In indoor cricket, the field is much smaller than the regular outdoor cricket field. This means the game moves a lot faster! Instead of running across a big pitch, players have to be quick and ready because the ball travels faster and bounces off walls, the fielders are closer. The boundaries are much smaller, and there are no wide open spaces to hit the ball far.

The Role of the Walls: One of the coolest parts of indoor cricket is the walls. If a batter hits the ball and it bounces off the walls, it can still be in play. But this rarely happens as the walls are of net and can’t throw the ball back unless the ball hits the iron pole. This makes the game even more exciting because players need to be ready for the ball to come back quickly and from an unexpected angle. It adds a fun twist to regular cricket rules!

Shorter Matches: Indoor cricket matches are usually shorter than outdoor ones. In regular cricket, a match can go on for hours, but indoor cricket matches tend to be faster-paced, with each team playing 8-10 overs (or even fewer). This makes it a great choice for playing with friends when you want a quick but thrilling game.

The Ball and the Equipment: In indoor cricket is played with a softer pink rubber or a tennis ball with plastic insulation tape rolled over it. But since the field is smaller and there are walls, players need to be extra careful when hitting or catching the ball. Batter wear protective gear like an abdominal guard and gloves since the ball can sometimes come at you quickly.

The Rules For Indoor Cricket

The basic rules are pretty similar to outdoor cricket, but there are a few key differences:

Team Size: Indoor cricket is usually played with fewer players than outdoor cricket. You’ll typically see teams of 6 or 8 players, which means everyone gets more chances to bat, bowl, and field. It’s a great way to keep everyone involved and make sure there’s lots of action.

Tournaments and Leagues: Many places have indoor cricket tournaments where teams from all around compete. These tournaments are often held in indoor arenas with specialized courts for cricket. It’s also a popular way to practice outdoor cricket because the shorter games help players work on their skills in a more intense, faster-paced setting.

Scoring Rules in Indoor Cricket

In indoor cricket, scoring is divided into two categories: physical runs and bonus runs.

Physical Runs: These are earned when both batsmen successfully run between the creases.
Bonus Runs: The team gets these when the ball hits certain areas of the net. The breakdown is as follows:
- Zone A (Front Net, Behind the Keeper): 0 runs
- Zone B (Side Nets, Striker’s End to Mid-Pitch): 1 run
- Zone C (Side Nets, Mid-Pitch to Bowler’s End): 2 runs
- Zone D (Back Net, Behind the Bowler):
  - On the bounce: 4 runs
  - On the full: 6 runs
- Zone B or C to Zone D (Ball Deflects from Side to Back Net): 3 runs

Ways to Get Out

You can get out in most of the same ways as regular cricket:

Bowled, Caught, Run Out, Stumped: These all work the same way as outdoor cricket.

Plus:-

Net Catches: If a ball bounces off the net and is caught before touching the ground, the batsman is out.

Hitting the Roof: In some leagues, hitting the ceiling is considered out, while others may allow play to continue.

Different Rules in Different Places

Different leagues might have slightly different rules. Some allow extra substitutes, while others change the number of overs. Some venues might have specific rules for hitting the roof or playing off certain parts of the net. Always check the rules before playing so you know what to expect.

How to Play Smart

Want to do well in indoor cricket? Try these tips:

Run Fast: Since the playing area is smaller, quick running between the wickets can make a big difference.

Aim Your Shots: Try to hit the ball into the right parts of the net to score extra runs strategically.

Bowl Accurately: Each player bowls two overs, so consistency is key. Aim for difficult areas to make it harder for the batsmen.

Be Ready to Field: Since the ball bounces off nets and moves quickly, fielders need to stay alert at all times.

Work as a Team: Communication is key. Since every player is involved in both batting and bowling, good teamwork can help maximize runs and minimize losses.

Why Is Indoor Cricket So Much Fun?

Faster Action: Because the field is smaller, the game moves quickly. There’s no waiting around like in some outdoor cricket matches. Every ball counts, and players are always on their toes.
Rebound Excitement: The ball can change rebound after hitting the pole unexpectedly, which makes the game more unpredictable and exciting. Batters can try to hit tricky shots that might bounce off the poles or go with the net for extra runs.
Perfect for All Weather: Since it’s indoors, you don’t have to worry about rain or bad weather ruining your game. It’s a great option when you want to play cricket no matter what the weather is like outside.
It’s Inclusive: With smaller teams and shorter matches, indoor cricket is perfect for groups of friends who want to enjoy cricket without needing a large team or a lot of space.

A Great Game for Everyone

Indoor cricket is a fantastic way to experience the thrill of the traditional game but with a unique twist. Whether you’re playing in a tournament or just having fun with friends, it’s fast-paced and exciting. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and practice cricket skills in a controlled environment. So, if you’ve never tried it, grab a ball and bat, and head indoors for some cricket fun!

Final Thoughts

Indoor cricket is a thrilling variation of the game, offering continuous action, strategy, and teamwork. With easy-to-learn rules and a fast-paced environment, it’s the perfect sport for those who want to stay active and enjoy cricket in a new way. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding these rules will help you make the most of every match.

Have you played indoor cricket before? Share your favorite moments and tips in the comments below!