Indoor Cricket is a variation on the conventional game of cricket. The game originated in Perth, Western Australia, in the 1970s. It is now popular across the world.

Differences from cricket

The biggest difference between cricket and indoor cricket is, obviously, that it is played indoors. As large indoor playing fields are extremely rare, the game of indoor cricket has been adapted to suit much smaller playing areas. As a result of this, the game is much faster than conventional cricket.

Rules

For the most part, indoor cricket follows the usual Laws of Cricket, with some changes. Those changes are discussed here.

The Playing Arena

The length of an indoor cricket pitch is the same as a conventional cricket pitch, and has 3 stumps at each end, but there the similarities end. The arena is completely enclosed by tight netting, a few metres from each side and end of the pitch. The playing surface is normally artificial grass matting. Whilst the pitch is the same length, however, the batsmen don't have to run the entire length. The striker's crease is in the regulation place in front of the stumps, but the non-striker's crease is only half way down the pitch.

Players

Indoor cricket is played between 2 teams of 8 players. Each player must bowl 2 overs, and bat in a partnership of 4 overs.

Equipment

The stumps used in indoor cricket are not, for obvious reasons, stuck in the ground. Instead, they are collapsible spring loaded stumps that immediately spring back to the standing position when knocked over. The ball used in indoor cricket is a modified cricket ball, with a softer centre.

Scoring

Scoring in indoor cricket is split into 2 areas: physical runs and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net. Bonus scores for particular parts of the nets follow:

• Zone A (front net - behind the keeper): 0 bonus runs
• Zone B (side nets between the striker's end and halfway down the pitch): 1 run
• Zone C (side nets between halfway and the bowlers end): 2 runs
• Zone D (back net - behind the bowler):
  • On the bounce: 4 runs
  • On the full: 6 runs
• Zone B or C onto Zone D: 3 runs

NB: For bonus runs to be scored, at least one physical run must be scored. The bonus runs are then added to the physical runs.

Dismissals

A batsman can be dismissed in the same ways they can be in conventional cricket. When a batsman gets dismissed, however, he continues batting, and receives a score of -5. Batsmen bat in pairs for 4 overs at a time, regardless of dismissals.

External link

Rules of Indoor Cricket