Indoor Cricket Rules: Everything You Need to Know Before You Play

Indoor cricket isn’t just a rainy-day backup for traditional cricket — it’s a high-octane, skill-packed sport with its own identity. Played inside a fully enclosed netted arena, this format delivers non-stop action, quick turnarounds, and a level playing field for everyone. Governed by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF), it’s already a professional sport with international tournaments in Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and the UK.

Whether you’re a casual gully cricketer looking to level up or an aspiring pro, knowing the rules is your ticket to enjoying this adrenaline-filled game.

What Is Indoor Cricket?

Indoor cricket is a modified version of outdoor cricket, played on a court roughly 30m x 12m — about the size of a small hall. The pitch length remains the same, but the game’s pace, inclusivity, and scoring system set it apart.

Key highlight? Every player bats, bowls, and fields. That means no one sits out and everyone contributes. The result — faster games, tighter competition, and an unbeatable team vibe.

Key Differences from Traditional Cricket

• Smaller Court: A fully netted arena keeps the ball in play.
• Faster Pace: Matches last 60–90 minutes with 16 overs per team.
• Equal Participation: All players get to bat and bowl.
• Soft Yellow Leather Ball: Safer, but still competitive.
• Bonus Runs: Score not just by running, but by hitting special net zones.

Indoor Cricket Rules — Explained

Rule 1 — Team & Skins

• Each team has 8 players (some smaller formats use 6).
• Overs are split into skins. For example:
• 8-over match → 4 skins of 2 overs each.
• 16-over match → 4 skins of 4 overs each.

Rule 2 — Scoring Zones

To earn bonus runs, you must complete at least one physical run. Zones are:

• Zone A (behind wicketkeeper): 0 runs.
• Zone B (side nets, striker’s end to halfway): 1 run.
• Zone C (side nets, halfway to bowler’s end): 2 runs.
• Zone D (back net behind bowler):
• 4 runs if the ball bounces before hitting.
• 6 runs if it hits on the full.

Rule 3 — No Balls

Step on the bowling crease while delivering — automatic no ball.

Rule 4 — Equal Play

• Players bat in pairs for each skin.
• Everyone bowls 1–2 overs depending on match length.

Rule 5 — Deductions for Dismissals

Getting out = -5 runs from the total. But here’s the twist — you still continue batting until your skin is complete.

Match Duration

• Standard match: 16 overs per team, 6 balls per over.
• Both innings are played out in full (even if one team overtakes the score early) due to run deductions on dismissals.

Why Indoor Cricket Is Thriving

• Weather-Proof — No rainouts, no bad light stoppages.
• Accessible — All ages, all skill levels welcome.
• Time-Friendly — Wrapped up in under 90 minutes.
• Inclusive — Everyone gets to play every role.

Indoor cricket isn’t just a spin-off — it’s a sport built for intensity, fairness, and fun. With leagues and tournaments growing in India and abroad, there’s never been a better time to step inside the nets.

At Gully91, we’re bringing this excitement closer to you — powered by GullyOS tech for live scoring, player stats, and next-level fan engagement.

We built **GullyOS** because we believe indoor cricket isn’t just a fun format — it’s a fast-growing, legitimate version of the sport that deserves its own tech ecosystem. The result?

A system that lets players feel like professionals. And organisers breathe like humans again.

Welcome to the new era of indoor cricket. Powered by GullyOS. 🔗 gully91.com/gullyos/indoor-cricket-tournament-management