Rules of Cricket for Kids, Teens, and New Learners

Sports
July 31, 2025

Cricket is one of the most loved sports in the world, but learning it can feel tricky at first. If you’re new to the game or you’re helping a child understand it, the rules might sound confusing—overs, wickets, run-outs… it’s a lot to take in. Whether you’re a kid picking up a bat for the first time, a teen trying to follow a match, or a complete beginner, this guide is for you. We explain the rules of cricket in the easiest way possible, using short words and clear examples. By the end of this blog, you’ll know how cricket works, what the players do, and how matches are won.

What Is Cricket?

Cricket is a team sport played with a bat and ball. There are two teams, and each team has 11 players. One team bats to score runs. The other team bowls and fields to stop them. After one team finishes, the other team gets its turn to bat. The team with more runs at the end wins the match.

Basic Setup of a Cricket Match

Players: 11 per team
Field: A large round field with a 22-yard pitch in the middle
Pitch: The strip where the main action happens
Stumps: Three wooden sticks at each end of the pitch

Two batsmen play at a time. One bowler bowls the ball. The rest of the fielding team spreads out to catch or stop the ball.

How to Score Runs in Cricket

Batsmen score runs by:

Hitting the ball and running to the other end of the pitch
Hitting the ball to the boundary:
- If the ball crosses the boundary after touching the ground, it’s 4 runs
- If it crosses the boundary without touching the ground, it’s 6 runs

15 Simple Cricket Rules Every Beginner Should Know

These are the 15 rules of cricket explained in easy terms:

Each team has 11 players.
The match starts with a coin toss. The winner picks to bat or bowl first.
Two batsmen are on the field at one time.
The bowler bowls 6 balls per over.
There are 10 wickets per team. When 10 players are out, the team’s turn ends.
A run is scored when batsmen run between the wickets.
4 runs if the ball crosses the rope after bouncing.
6 runs if the ball crosses the rope in the air.
A batsman is out if:
- The ball hits the stumps (bowled)
- A fielder catches the ball
- They are run out
- They miss the ball and it hits the leg (LBW)
- They step on their stumps (hit wicket)
Fielders can stand anywhere but must follow some rules during early overs.
A no-ball gives the batting team an extra run and a free hit in short formats.
A wide ball gives one extra run and must be bowled again.
Each bowler can only bowl a set number of overs.
Use of DRS (video review) is allowed in big matches to review umpire decisions.
The team with the most runs wins.

Cricket Match Formats for Beginners

There are three popular types of cricket matches:

T20 Match

Each team gets 20 overs
Shortest and fastest format
Very exciting for kids and new fans

One Day Match (ODI)

Each team gets 50 overs
Lasts one day
Used in World Cup games

Test Match

Played over 5 days
Each team bats twice
Good for advanced fans and older players

Fielding and Bowling Rules Made Simple

Only one bowler bowls at a time.
Bowlers take turns after every over.
Bowlers must not cross the line while bowling.
Fielders must stop the ball and try to get the batsmen out.
In early overs (powerplay), fielders must stay in certain parts of the field.

When Is a Player Out?

These are the most common ways to get out:

Bowled: Ball hits the stumps
Caught: Ball is caught before it touches the ground
Run Out: Fielder hits the stumps before the batsman reaches the line
LBW: Ball hits leg and would have hit stumps
Stumped: Batsman steps out and misses the ball
Hit Wicket: Batsman steps on their own stumps

What Is an Over in Cricket?

An over has 6 balls. A bowler bowls 6 balls, then another bowler takes over from the other end. Bowlers can’t bowl two overs in a row. In T20, each team gets 20 overs. In ODIs, 50 overs. In Tests, there’s no over limit.

Understanding the Scoreboard

A basic score looks like this: Team A – 145/6 (20 Overs) This means:

Team A scored 145 runs
6 players are out
They used 20 overs

The team that bats second tries to beat that score.

How to Teach Cricket to Kids

If you’re teaching cricket to a child or new learner, here’s what helps:

Start with a tennis ball – It’s soft and safe
Use short matches – 5 or 10 overs is enough for beginners
Focus on running and throwing – These are easy to learn early
Explain the rules with real games or videos
Let them play simple versions – Backyard or school-ground cricket works great

Fun Facts to Share With Kids

The longest Test match lasted 10 days
Sachin Tendulkar played 200 Test matches
A bowler once took 10 wickets in one innings
The highest team score in T20 is over 260 runs

FAQ – Cricket Rules for Beginners

What is the easiest way to learn cricket rules? Start by watching matches and playing with friends. Simple backyard games help a lot. How many players are on a cricket team? Each team has 11 players. How long does a cricket match last? T20: 3 hours. ODI: 7-8 hours. Test: 5 days. What is a wicket in cricket? It can mean the stumps, or it means a batsman is out. What is an over? An over has 6 balls bowled by one bowler. Can I play cricket at home? Yes! Use a plastic bat and soft ball. Just find a small space. What is LBW? LBW means the batsman blocks the ball with their leg when it would hit the stumps. How do you win in cricket? Score more runs than the other team. What is a powerplay? The first few overs where only a few fielders can be outside the circle. Makes scoring easier. Can kids join a cricket team? Yes, most schools and local clubs offer teams for kids and teens.

Final Thoughts: Start Playing Cricket with Confidence

Now that you know the rules of cricket, you’re ready to enjoy matches more or even play with your friends. You don’t need to know every advanced rule—just start with the basics. Cricket is fun, active, and exciting. Whether you’re watching or playing, knowing the rules helps you enjoy it more. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or teammate who’s learning too. And if you have questions, ask in the comments below!