Fielding Restrictions in Cricket: ODI and T20 Powerplays Explained

Fielding restrictions in limited-overs cricket control how many fielders may stand outside the marked 30-yard area at the instant of delivery. Under the current standard men’s ICC conditions effective July 2025, a full ODI allows two outside in overs 1-10, four in overs 11-40 and five in overs 41-50. A full men’s T20I allows two outside in overs 1-6 and five thereafter.

For positions and dimensions, see cricket fielding positions, cricket field dimensions and cricket umpire rules.

What are the ODI fielding restrictions?

The standard men’s ODI phases limit the outside fielders to two, four and five across the 50-over innings.

ODI phase	Overs	Maximum outside the 30-yard area
Opening powerplay	1-10	2
Middle phase	11-40	4
Final phase	41-50	5

The rule is counted at the moment the ball is delivered. Fielders can move between deliveries, but the captain must set a legal field before the run-up reaches the delivery point.

The powerplay changes the value of risk. Batters may target gaps when only two fielders protect the boundary, while captains keep catching positions or save their best boundary riders for later.

What are the T20 fielding restrictions?

A full men’s T20I has a six-over opening powerplay with two fielders allowed outside, followed by five outside for overs 7-20.

T20I phase	Overs	Maximum outside
Powerplay	1-6	2
Non-powerplay	7-20	5

The shorter powerplay creates a high-value early phase. A captain may still use a slip or short catcher inside the circle if the bowler is attacking, but cannot trade a legal outside fielder for an extra boundary rider.

Domestic leagues can add tactical variations, so the league’s playing conditions override this international baseline.

What happens when a fielding restriction is broken?

Too many outside fielders is generally called a no-ball under the relevant limited-overs conditions.

The batting side receives the prescribed penalty run, the delivery does not count in the over and the next ball is usually a free hit. The exact clause and free-hit treatment should be checked for the competition; an ODI, T20I and local six-over game need not use identical wording.

The umpire counts positions at the instant of delivery, not when the bowler starts the run-up. A fielder who is moving into position can still make the field illegal when the ball is released.

How do shortened innings change the phases?

Shortened innings use the ICC competition’s reduced-innings table rather than the full 10-over, 30-over or six-over assumptions.

Rain, light or a delayed start can reduce an innings to 20, 15 or 10 overs. The conditions redistribute the phases so the game keeps a meaningful opening and closing field restriction. Copying a full-match table into a rain-affected scorecard is a common error.

The revised target and number of overs are usually announced by the umpires or match referee. Captains should confirm the fielding table before the restart.

Do fielding restrictions apply in Test cricket?

The limited-overs powerplay phases do not apply to Test cricket.

Test captains can use slips, close catchers, ring fielders and boundary riders according to the match situation and the Laws. Other restrictions still exist: the field must be fair, the wicketkeeper and fielders must obey their Laws, and a dangerous or unfair placement can be penalised.

The difference is strategic. Test fields trade boundary protection for wicket-taking chances over a longer innings; ODI and T20 fields must also manage a fixed over budget.

How should a captain set a legal powerplay field?

A captain should identify the format, innings length and current phase before placing the outside fielders.

1. Confirm the current playing conditions and overs remaining.
2. Count outside fielders at the delivery point.
3. Keep the required number inside the marked circle.
4. Match slips, ring positions and boundary riders to the bowler’s plan.
5. Recheck after a wicket, over change or revised rain target.

Use the fielding positions guide for the names; the powerplay rule controls the count, not the exact position label.

Frequently asked questions

How many are outside in an ODI powerplay?

Two in overs 1-10 under the current standard men’s ODI conditions.

How many are outside in a T20 powerplay?

Two in overs 1-6 in a full men’s T20I.

What about the rest of an ODI?

Four outside in overs 11-40 and five in overs 41-50.

Is too many outside a no-ball?

Generally yes under the relevant limited-overs conditions, with the competition’s penalty and free-hit rule.

Do Tests have powerplays?

No limited-overs powerplay phases; Test captains use the Laws and match conditions.

What if rain reduces overs?

Use the competition’s reduced-innings fielding table.

Bottom line

Powerplays are counts, not just field diagrams. Full men’s ODIs use 2-4-5 outside across three phases; full men’s T20Is use 2 outside for six overs and 5 afterward. Check the current ICC or league conditions, count at release and use the reduced-innings table when weather changes the match.