How many fielders can stand outside the circle?
I · Intermediate · What can fielders do? · 9 of 19In limited-overs internationals, only a set number of fielders may stand outside the 30-yard circle when the ball is bowled. In T20 internationals, two in the first 6 overs (the powerplay) and five after. In ODIs, two in overs 1 to 10, four in overs 11 to 40 and five in overs 41 to 50. Breaking the limit is a no-ball.
How it works
- The "circle" is two semicircles of 30 yards (27.43 m) around each set of stumps, joined by straight lines and marked with a painted line or white discs.
- Fielders are counted at the instant the ball is bowled.
- In every format, no more than two fielders, apart from the wicketkeeper, may be behind the batter's crease line on the leg side.
- When rain shortens an innings, the powerplay phases shrink by a set table, and take effect at once, even mid-over.
- The umpire signals the start of each new ODI phase by rotating an arm in a large circle; the scoreboard shows which phase is on.
- Any breach is called no-ball by the square leg umpire, so the next ball in an ODI or T20 international is a free hit.
Tricky cases
How many fielders can be outside the circle in the powerplay?
Two, in both ODIs and T20 internationals.
How many overs is the powerplay in a T20?
Six, in a full 20-over innings. Fewer if the innings is shortened: for example, 3 overs in a 10-over innings.
Is there a fielding restriction in Test cricket?
Only the leg-side rule: no more than two fielders, other than the keeper, behind the batter's crease on the leg side.
Why the rule exists
Restrictions keep the field close early in the innings so that batters can score, which keeps limited-overs cricket attacking.
Where it differs
| Where | Outside the circle | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws and Tests | No circle; only the two-fielder leg-side limit | L28.4; PC-T 28.4 |
| ODIs, overs 1 to 10 | Two at most | PC-O 28.7.2.2.1 |
| ODIs, overs 11 to 40 | Four at most | PC-O 28.7.2.2.2 |
| ODIs, overs 41 to 50 | Five at most | PC-O 28.7.2.2.3 |
| T20 internationals, overs 1 to 6 | Two at most | PC-I 28.7.2, 28.7.4 |
| T20 internationals, overs 7 to 20 | Five at most | PC-I 28.7.5 |
| Shortened innings | Phases reduced by table | PC-O 28.7.2.3; PC-I 28.7.6 |
| Leagues | Set by the competition | Not checked |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 28.4, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's ODI and T20I playing conditions, clause 28.7, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: ICC playing conditions (PDF); MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).