T20 fielding restrictions
In T20 internationals only two fielders may stand outside the circle during the first six overs (the powerplay). After that the limit is five outside a 30-yard circle in men's matches and four outside a 25-yard circle in women's matches.
These are the ICC's playing conditions for men's and women's T20 internationals, which differ in two ways: the number of fielders allowed outside the circle after the powerplay, and the size of the circle. Domestic leagues and club competitions often copy them but can change the details, so treat this as the standard reference.
How many fielders can be outside the circle in T20?
| Overs | Phase | Men: maximum outside the 30-yard circle | Women: maximum outside the 25-yard circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | Powerplay | 2 | 2 |
| 7 to 20 | Rest of the innings | 5 | 4 |
The limit applies at the instant of delivery. In men's matches the circle is 30 yards (27.43 metres) from the middle stump at each end (ICC men's T20I clauses 28.7.2 to 28.7.5). In women's matches it is 25.15 yards (23 metres) (ICC women's T20I clauses 28.7.3.1, 28.7.4 and 28.7.5); the conditions for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup state it as 25 yards (22.86 metres), so check the conditions for your event. The wicket keeper and the bowler are not counted as outside fielders in the diagrams on this page.
What other fielding rules apply in T20?
- 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). Breaking either rule is a no-ball, called by the striker's end umpire (clause 28.4.3 in the men's conditions).
- The square leg umpire calls and signals a no-ball for a breach of the powerplay or circle limits (clause 28.7.8 for men, 28.7.7.1 for women).
- No fielder other than the bowler may have any part of their body on or over the pitch while the ball is in play (clause 28.5).
How should you set a T20 field within these rules?
In the powerplay, spend the two outside fielders on the sides that matter most for the batter (often third man and fine leg, as in the first diagram) and fill the inner ring. After the powerplay you can protect more of the boundary, as in the second diagram for men or the third for women. See the powerplay field settings and death overs field settings guides for how to use them.
Frequently asked questions
How many fielders can be outside the circle in a T20 powerplay?
Two, in both men's and women's T20 internationals. Only two fielders may be outside the circle in the first six overs.
How many fielders can be on the boundary after the powerplay in T20?
In men's T20 internationals up to five may be outside the 30-yard circle from the seventh over to the end of the innings. In women's T20 internationals the limit is four, outside a 25-yard circle.
Are the T20 fielding rules different for women?
Slightly. The powerplay is the same (two outside for six overs) and so are the leg-side limits, but after the powerplay women's matches allow four outside the circle instead of five, and the circle is smaller.
Is the T20 powerplay the same in every league?
No. The ICC rules above apply to international matches. Some leagues use a different powerplay length, so read your own competition's conditions.
Sources
- ICC Men's T20I Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- ICC Women's Twenty20 International Playing Conditions, effective June 2023 (clause 28)
- Playing Conditions for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 (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.