How Many Players in a Cricket Team? Squad Size, Playing XI & Substitutes
A cricket team has 11 players on the field, but squads can be much larger. Learn the difference between a playing XI, a touring party, and what substitutes can and cannot do.
11 players per side
Each cricket team fields exactly 11 players at a time. One team bats while the other fields and bowls. The batting team sends in two batters at a time; when 10 wickets have fallen (all but one batter dismissed) the innings ends. The fielding team positions all 11 players on the field simultaneously — 1 bowler, 1 wicketkeeper, and 9 other fielders.
Squad vs Playing XI
Teams name a squad larger than 11 for tournaments and tours. In ICC World Cups, squads are typically 15 players. Bilateral tours may carry 16–18 players. Before each match, the captain announces the Playing XI — the 11 selected from the squad. Players not in the Playing XI cannot bat, bowl or keep wicket, but may field as substitute fielders if a player is injured during the match. Substitutes cannot bat, bowl or keep wicket under any circumstances (with the exception of concussion substitutes in some formats).
Impact Player rule (IPL)
The IPL introduced the Impact Player rule in 2023, allowing teams to swap one unused player from a list of four named substitutes at any point during the match — and the impact player can bat, bowl and field. This is unique to the IPL and not applied in ICC international cricket, where standard substitution rules (fielding only) still apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cricket team have more than 11 players on the field?
No. Exactly 11 fielders at a time. If a team has fewer than 11 due to injury, they must field with fewer players — there is no bringing on an extra fielder.
What is a 'super sub' in cricket?
The ICC trialled a 'Super Sub' rule in 2005 ODIs — a full playing replacement that could bat, bowl and field — but it was scrapped after one season due to tactical complications. The rule is not used in current international cricket.