What are fielders not allowed to do?
A · Advanced · What can fielders do? · 14 of 20Fielders may stop the ball with any part of their body, but not deliberately with anything else, such as a cap or clothing held out. They must not stand on or over the pitch until the ball reaches the batter, or move unfairly as the bowler runs in. Most breaches cost 5 penalty runs or are a no-ball.
How it works
| What the fielder does | What happens |
|---|---|
| Deliberately stops the ball with anything other than their body, with clothing held out or with something thrown down | Dead ball; 5 runs to the batting side; the ball does not count in the over |
| The ball hits a fielding helmet left on the ground behind the keeper | Dead ball; 5 runs to the batting side |
| Puts a helmet on the ground anywhere else | Not allowed: helmets may be placed only behind the keeper, in line with the stumps |
| Stands on or reaches over the pitch before the ball reaches the batter (any fielder but the bowler) | No-ball |
| More than two fielders, other than the keeper, behind the batter's crease on the leg side | No-ball |
| Moves significantly after the ball comes into play and before it reaches the batter | Dead ball; 5 runs to the batting side |
| Pretends to field or throw to fool a batter | Dead ball; 5 runs to the batting side |
| Comes back on without the umpire's permission and touches the ball | Dead ball; 5 runs to the batting side |
Allowed movement: small changes of stance, a close fielder moving forward a little, any fielder moving in response to the batter's shot.
Tricky cases
Is it a penalty if a fielder's cap falls off and stops the ball?
No. Only deliberate use counts. A cap or anything else that falls off by accident is fine.
Can a fielder walk in with the bowler?
Yes, a fielder who is not close to the batter may walk in, as long as it does not significantly change their position. Close fielders may not.
Can a fielder move when the batter shapes to switch-hit?
Yes. Movement in response to the shot the batter is playing, or seems about to play, is allowed.
Can a fielder stand outside the boundary while the bowler runs in?
Yes, but every fielder must be inside the boundary when the ball is bowled.
Why the rule exists
Fielding is a test of skill with the body. Equipment, crowding and tricks would give the fielding side an advantage the batter could not answer.
Where it differs
Nothing. The same in the Laws and in the ICC men's playing conditions.
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 28.1 to 28.6, 24.2.1, 24.4 and 41.5, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).