ODI fielding restrictions
In a 50-over men's ODI, no more than two fielders may be outside the 30-yard circle in overs 1 to 10, four in overs 11 to 40, and five in overs 41 to 50. In a women's ODI it is two in overs 1 to 10 and four in overs 11 to 50, outside a 25-yard circle.
These are the ICC's playing conditions for men's and women's one-day internationals. The men's game has three phases (the ICC calls them Powerplay 1, 2 and 3); the women's game has one powerplay of ten overs and then a single limit of four. In both, the fielding side has no choice about when the phases run.
How many fielders can be outside the circle in each phase of an ODI?
| Phase | Overs (50-over innings) | Men: maximum outside the 30-yard circle | Women: maximum outside the 25-yard circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay 1 | 1 to 10 | 2 | 2 |
| Powerplay 2 (men) | 11 to 40 | 4 | 4 |
| Powerplay 3 (men) | 41 to 50 | 5 | 4 |
The limit applies at the instant of delivery. In men's matches the circle has a radius of 30 yards (27.43 metres) from the middle stump at each end (ICC men's ODI clause 28.7.2). In women's matches it is 25.15 yards (23 metres), and the only powerplay is overs 1 to 10, after which no more than four fielders may be outside the circle (ICC women's ODI clauses 28.7.2.1 to 28.7.2.3). In men's matches the umpire signals the start of the second and third phases by rotating an arm in a large circle, and the scoreboard shows which one is running.
What other fielding rules apply in an ODI?
- These apply in both the men's and the women's game. No more than five fielders may be on the leg side at the instant of delivery (clause 28.4.1).
- No more than two fielders, other than the wicket keeper, may be behind the popping crease on the on side (clause 28.4.2). Either breach is a no-ball called by the striker's end umpire.
- For a breach of the circle limits in a men's match, the square leg umpire calls the no-ball (clause 28.7.2.7).
How do the phases change if the innings is shortened?
In men's matches the phases are scaled down in a table covering innings of 20 to 49 overs, applied to both innings (clause 28.7.2.3). For example, a 40-over innings uses 8, 24 and 8 overs. If an interruption starts a new phase, the new restriction takes effect immediately, even in the middle of an over (clause 28.7.2.4). In women's matches only the length of Powerplay 1 is reduced, in a table covering innings of 20 to 49 overs (for example 6 overs for a 28 to 32 over innings), and the limit of four outside applies for the rest of the innings (clause 28.7.2.4).
How do you set a field for each ODI phase?
Use the first ten overs to attack: slips and an inner ring while the ball is new, with two boundary riders. In the middle overs the extra two outside fielders let you cover both sides of the ground. In the last ten overs of a men's match you can protect the boundary with five, as in the third diagram; in a women's match you stay at four. The spin bowling and pace bowling guides show how to adapt a field to the bowler.
Frequently asked questions
How many fielders can be outside the circle in an ODI?
In a men's 50-over innings, two in overs 1 to 10, four in overs 11 to 40 and five in overs 41 to 50. In a women's 50-over innings, two in overs 1 to 10 and four after that.
Are the ODI fielding rules different for women?
Yes. The women's game has one powerplay (overs 1 to 10, two outside) and then a limit of four outside for the rest of the innings, with no five-outside phase. The circle is also smaller, about 25 yards instead of 30.
Is there still a batting powerplay in ODIs?
No. The ICC's current ODI conditions have only the three fixed phases above, with no batting powerplay.
How far is the ODI fielding circle?
In men's ODIs it is 30 yards (27.43 metres), measured from the middle stump at each end. In women's ODIs it is 25.15 yards (23 metres).
Sources
- ICC Men's ODI Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- ICC Women's One Day International Playing Conditions, effective 1 January 2024 (clause 28)
- MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 28: The Fielder (Lord's)
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Open Cricket Field MapRelated guides
The diagrams use the planner's one circle. The women's circle is smaller than the men's (see the table), so a fielder close to the line may be on the other side of it in a real match. The four-outside diagram is legal in both men's and women's overs 11 to 40.