Indoor cricket is a fast-paced, action-packed version of the game suitable for all levels, with easy-to-follow rules and an emphasis on fun and fitness.

There are two main formats of indoor cricket, one played with a soft ball and tension net, and one with a hard ball.

Indoor cricket – soft ball/tension net

Rules to get you started:

• Sixteen overs per side

• Each pair bats for four overs

• Every player bowls two overs

• Every wicket is a deduction of five runs from the score

• The non-striker’s crease is halfway down the wicket

• Played using a specially adapted, soft, leather ball

Benefits: 

• Fast, fun and open to all

• The tension net ensures a faster game and the soft ball makes it more appealing for people with no cricket experience to get involved

• Minimal kit is needed, just bat and gloves

• There are no weather or light restrictions

• A game only takes about 90 minutes

• Can be played by both children and adults with national leagues for men, women and boys 

Who is it aimed at?

Absolutely anyone can play this form of indoor cricket. There are international, national and local leagues for men, women, boys and masters but the game can also be played informally by all individuals at any of the eight dedicated national indoor centres. 

Where can I play?

Visit one of the eight national indoor centres in Bristol, Canary Wharf, Derby, Gillingham, Leeds, Leicester, Nottingham and Wolverhampton. 

Indoor cricket – hard ball

Indoor cricket played in a sports hall or indoor venue no smaller than 100’ x 60’ x 20’ height with a regular cricket ball by teams of six people, following the same rules as the traditional game.

A roll-down mat is used for the wicket.

Rules to get you started: 

• Twelve six-ball overs per side

• No more than three overs can be bowled by any one player

• If a team loses five wickets within their 12 overs, the last player continues batting with the fifth out player remaining at the wicket as a non striker

Benefits:

• There are no weather or light restrictions

• Offers players the opportunity to maintain their fitness and skill levels through the winter months

• Can be played in any indoor facility that is large enough