Fielding restrictions (cricket)

They are used to discourage certain bowling tactics, or to encourage the batsmen to play big shots, enabling them to hit fours and sixes.

In Test cricket matches, the fielding restrictions are relaxed as compared to a One Day International.

In all forms of cricket, only two fielders are allowed in the quadrant between the fielding positions of square leg and long stop.

Further, two circles centered on each wicket of 15 yards (14 m) radius are drawn and combined encompasses an area known as the close infield.

Before July 2015, a minimum of two fielders (other than the bowler and wicket-keeper) had to be deployed in the close infield during Powerplay 1.

On October 30, 2012, changes to the rules for fielding restrictions in one-day matches were officially implemented by the ICC.

The number of Powerplay blocks were reduced to two; the first occurs within the first 10 overs, restricting the team to two fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

[5] In June 2015 rules changed to do away with batting powerplay, and allowed up to 5 fielders outside the circle in last 10 overs.