Fielding restrictions in the sport of cricket are imposed to encourage the batsmen to score, enabling them to hit 4's and 6's. Each team has 9 fielders – the other two being the wicket-keeper and bowler, both permanent placements. The captain decides the fielding positions usually after consulting with the bowler.

In Test cricket matches, the fielding restrictions are relaxed as compared to a one-day international. A circle of radius 30 yards (27m) measured from the centre of the pitch divides the infield from the outfield. A 15 yard circle (13.7 m) radius drawn from where the batsman stands encompasses an area known as the close infield.

Here are the fielding restrictions imposed in international cricket.

Both forms

---

Only two fielders are allowed in the quadrant between the fielding positions of square leg and long stop. This is to prevent the outlawed and controversial bodyline tactics from be employed.

At the most a maximum of 5 fielders may be deployed in the outfield. A minimum of 2 players must be deployed in the on side and the off side at all times.

One day cricket only

---

During the first 10 overs of a 50 over match a maximum of 2 fielders are allowed to be deployed in the outfield. A minimum of 2 fielders (other than the bowler and wicket-keeper) have to be deployed in the close infield. If the numbers of overs are curtailed for whatever reason, the restriction applies to 30% of the total overs given – rounded down. After the first 10 overs of fielding restrictions, the captain of the fielding side has to decide when to bring his fielders in again for two further blocks of 5 overs, at any time he likes. These 5 over spells are called Powerplay 2 and Powerplay 3. (Powerplay 1 is the first block of 10). The rule was first encountered in the One-day International between England and Australia on 7 July 2005.

Cricket captaincy and tactics | One-day cricket | Fielding (cricket)