ODI Fielding Restrictions in Cricket
How fielding restrictions work in One Day International cricket — the 30-yard circle, powerplay overs, and the evolution of ODI fielding rules.
One Day International cricket uses fielding restrictions to prevent defensive field placements and encourage attacking batting. The rules govern how many fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle at any point during the innings.
Current ODI Fielding Restrictions
| Phase | Overs | Max fielders outside ring |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Powerplay | 1–10 | 2 |
| Middle overs | 11–40 | 4 |
| Death overs | 41–50 | 5 |
The 30-Yard Circle
The 30-yard circle is painted on the outfield in limited-overs cricket. It is an oval shape measured 30 yards (27.4 metres) from each set of stumps. Fielders on or outside this line are counted as 'out of the ring'; fielders inside (or touching the line) are counted as inside.
Historical Evolution
Fielding restrictions were first introduced in 1991–92 to reduce negative fielding (eight outfielders on the boundary). The mandatory powerplay at the start of the innings was added, and over the years the number of overs and restrictions have been adjusted multiple times.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a team has too many fielders outside the ring?
The umpire calls a no ball. The batting team gets an extra delivery and five penalty runs are awarded.
Are fielding restrictions the same in T20 as in ODIs?
The powerplay restrictions are similar (two outside in the powerplay) but the structure of the rest of the innings differs — T20s are shorter and have no middle-overs phase with different restrictions.