Cancer has touched all of us in some way, and we should all feel empowered to play a role in this life-changing event. There are numerous ways to play cricket, so below we’ve outlined The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Cricket event Match Day Rules, covering everything you need to know about batting, bowling, scoring, and more. If you’re new to the game of cricket, take a look at our cheat sheet before Match Day to familiarize yourself with some of the lingo you might hear.
Match Day Rules
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Teams & Players
- Each team may register up to 10 players max on their team.
- Only 8 players field at a time: 1 bowler, 1 wicketkeeper, 6 fielders.
- Each team has up to 2 subs.
- Every player must bat and bowl at least once across the 3 matches (where possible).
- Co-ed teams are encouraged.
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Match Format
- In true cricket fashion, each match will begin with a coin toss.
- Each match is 5 overs per side (maximum 45 minutes).
- Teams are guaranteed 3 matches.
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Batting
- Two batters are always at the crease.
- Individual batters retire at 15 runs (they may return if the team is bowled out early).
- If 5 wickets fall, the innings ends.
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Bowling
No player may bowl more than 2 overs in a match.
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Scoring Runs
- Runs are scored by running between wickets.
- Bonus runs are awarded for hitting designated targets on the field:
- Large target: +2 runs
- Small target: +4 runs
- To claim bonus runs, at least 1 physical run must be completed.
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Dismissals
- Standard dismissals apply: bowled, caught, run out, stumped.
- A dismissal ends that batter's turn, and the next batter enters.
- No LBW rule (to keep the game simple).
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Ground Play Only
- No sixes. Balls hit over the boundary without touching the ground = -1 run penalty (batter stays at crease).
- Players that hit balls over the boundary twice in a row is an automatic dismissal = -2 runs total (counted as an out).
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Active Play Rule
Batters must run if they make contact with the ball, keeping play fast and engaging.
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Wides & Extras
- Wides/No balls = +1 run to the batting team.
- These balls count toward the over (not re-bowled)
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Winning the Match
- The team with the highest total of runs at the end of both innings wins.
- In the event of a tie, the match will be decided by a bowl out (cricket's version of a penalty shootout). Each team will select six players, with each player delivering one ball at the stumps. The team that hits the most wickets out of five attempts will be declared the winner.
New to Street Cricket?
Street Cricket is a fast-paced and more informal version of Cricket, often played in streets, parks and backyards. We’re excited to play in this season Cricket event but also understand that many participants may not be familiar with the unique rules, format and terminology of Street Cricket, or Cricket in general. Check out our ‘How to Play Street Cricket’ video for a quick introduction to the game.