Season 13

Rule Book

The complete rules & regulations, including this season's format, selection and timing changes. Start with What's Changed — those rules supersede any older wording they touch.

⚡ Rule update

What’s Changed

The rules below moved after the rule book was first published. They supersede the older wording wherever the two differ — everything else in the book still stands. The full rules further down already read the new way.

Super-sub: A super-sub who comes in to bat must bat in the top 5 — it used to be the top 4. A super-sub brought on to bowl still has to send down at least 2 overs inside the first 14.
Emerging category: Every Emerging Category player must either bat in the top 5 or bowl a minimum of 2 overs within the first 14 overs — one or the other, whichever the team chooses. League matches only.
Powerplay: The opening powerplay is the first 6 overs in knockouts too, fixed and identical to the league — knockouts used to open with a 4-over powerplay. In knockouts the fixed Power Surges in overs 14–15 and 21–22 are replaced by a 2-over batting powerplay the batting side may take any time after the 17th over, with 3 fielders allowed outside the circle. League powerplays are otherwise unchanged.
Timings: The first match has no over reduction up to 9:45 AM. Even one minute past that and every innings of the whole day's play drops to 18 overs. After the first match, over reduction is judged match by match — the OC watches how the day runs and takes the call.
Over-reduction penalty: If the over-reduction rule is not adhered to, a 1-point penalty is imposed on both teams playing the first match.
Playing numbers: There is no minimum number of playing members. A team short on availability plays with the numbers it has and the match goes ahead as normal.
Late players: A player arriving after the first ball can still be brought into the match, but his captain must inform the opposition captain and both captains must agree to it.
Substitute fielders: Substitute fielders are allowed, but it is up to the two playing captains — the opposition has to agree. No fixed number is prescribed.

New in Season 13

Format & selection

The selection and format changes every team should plan for this season:

✓At least 6 bowlers must bowl in every match — league and knockouts — and there is no cap on the maximum number of bowlers you use. In league matches, an Emerging Category player and a super-sub must each either bat in the top 5 or bowl a minimum of 2 overs within the first 14 overs of the innings.
✓League (20 overs): only 2 bowlers may bowl a maximum of 4 overs each; every other bowler is capped at 3 overs. So the quota is 4+4+3+3+3+3.
✓Knockouts (25 overs): 2 bowlers may bowl up to 5 overs each and 3 bowlers up to 4 overs each, leaving 3 overs for a 6th bowler — 5+5+4+4+4+3.
✓If overs are cut for a late start, the top quota drops with them and the 6-bowler minimum still applies. An 18-over league match caps everybody at 3 overs — 3+3+3+3+3+3. A 24-over knockout allows 1 bowler a 5-over spell, 4 bowlers 4 overs each and 3 overs for the sixth — 5+4+4+4+4+3.
✓League: every Emerging Category player must either bat in the top 5 or bowl a minimum of 2 overs within the first 14 overs of the innings — one or the other, the team's choice. Knockouts: no such requirement. Every owner must buy an equal number of Emerging Category players.
✓The opening powerplay is now the same everywhere: the first 6 overs, with 2 fielders outside the circle, in league and knockouts alike — the knockout powerplay is no longer 4 overs. League innings have no batting powerplay. In knockouts the fixed Power Surges are replaced by a 2-over batting powerplay the batting side may take any time after the 17th over — 3 fielders allowed outside the circle during it.
✓A super-sub who comes in to bat must bat in the top 5 — the same requirement as an Emerging Category player.
✓There is no minimum number of playing members. A team short on availability plays with the numbers it has.
✓Substitute fielders are allowed, but it is up to the two playing captains — the opposition has to agree. No fixed number.
✓Every player requested must play a minimum of 5 league matches.
✓OC advisory to owners: owners manage team finances and split match fees between players internally within the team.

Timing & punctuality

Start on time, finish on time

The whole day's schedule depends on the first match starting on time — delays cost everyone overs:

✓The three matches of the day start on time at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
✓For the first match there is no over reduction up to 9:45 AM. Even one minute past 9:45 and every innings of the whole day’s play drops to 18 overs.
✓Not adhering to the over-reduction rule costs both teams playing the first match 1 point each.
✓Beyond that, over reduction is judged match by match — the OC watches how the day runs and takes the call.
✓OC recommends reaching the ground 30 minutes before the scheduled start.
✓A player arriving after the first ball is bowled may still join the match — to bat or field — but his captain must inform the opposition captain and both captains must agree.

Generic

Field decorum: Both owners and captains are responsible for ensuring proper decorum is maintained on the field.
Team participation: The owner and captain are jointly responsible for bringing the team to the ground on time.
Safety measures: Players are strongly advised to use guards while batting — a heavy ball can pose safety risks. Owners should communicate this to their teams.
Game rules: All ICC rules will be followed during the tournament, except for the LBW mode of dismissal, which is excluded.
Tournament fees: The team owner collects and transfers the tournament fee to the OC. Fees collected from the team are the tournament fee, not the match fee. No refunds will be issued by the OC.
Team provisions: Each team owner/captain arranges their own water, medical kit, and refreshments.
Dress code: Full trousers and a T-shirt are mandatory; any sports jersey or similar attire is fine. Sleeveless T-shirts are strictly prohibited on the field. Repeated violations result in penalties, including a one-match ban.
OC decisions: Arguments or personal accusations against OC decisions are prohibited. Decisions are made collectively by the on-field OC team and do not reflect any individual's opinion.
Equipment restriction: Plastic bats are not allowed in the tournament.
Rule updates: Any updates to the rules will be communicated in advance to all teams.
Owner replacement: If more than 50% of the team members raise concerns about the owner, they may be replaced by another team member through mutual agreement.

Tournament Format

Teams and format: The tournament features 6 teams, with each team playing every other team in the league stage.
Match format: All league matches follow the T20 format — 20 overs per side, cut to 18 overs a side for the whole day if the first match starts after 9:45 AM. See What’s Changed and the timing rules.
Tournament ball: Green heavy tennis balls are used for all matches.
Semi-finals qualification: The top 4 teams from the league stage qualify for the semi-finals. 1st plays 4th; 2nd plays 3rd.
Third-place match: A match for 3rd position is played on the final match day, 15–20 overs per side.
Semi-finals and final: Both the semi-finals and the final consist of 25 overs per side, scheduled on separate weekends.
Schedule changes: The schedule may be adjusted for ground-related challenges. Changes are made by the OC and communicated in advance. No rescheduling request is entertained once the schedule is out, except for ground-related challenges.

Number of Players

Player registration: Only registered players are eligible. No additions or releases of players are allowed mid-season. (See Player Trades for the one window in which squads may swap players between teams.)
Player requirement for toss: All players must be present 15 minutes before the match starts. A player arriving after the first ball is bowled may still be brought into the match — to bat or field — but his captain must inform the opposition captain and both captains must agree to it. Repeated late arrivals result in penalties.
Submission of playing XI: Before the toss, the captain must share the playing XI — or the reduced number of players available — with the match officials present at the ground.
No minimum playing strength: There is no minimum number of playing members. If availability is a problem a team plays with the reduced number it has, and the match goes ahead.
Substitute fielders: Substitute fielders are allowed, but it is up to the two playing captains — the opposition captain has to agree to the sub. No fixed number is prescribed; it is settled between the captains.
Batting with short players: If short during batting, only the wickets of available players are counted: a team of 10 is ALL OUT on the fall of the 9th wicket, a team of 9 on the fall of the 8th, and so on down.
Super-sub provision: Teams may use a super-sub, allowing 12 players. Only 11 can field or bat; the super-sub can either bowl or bat as per the team's decision. The super-sub must either bat in the top 5 or bowl at least 2 overs within the first 14 overs of the innings.
Match delays due to teams: If a match starts late due to one team, a 5-run penalty is imposed on that team. Over reduction itself no longer scales with the length of the delay: matches start at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and a first match starting even a minute after 9:45 AM cuts every innings of that day to 18 overs. Later in the day the OC judges reduction match by match.
Match delays due to ground conditions: The OC makes the final decision. Teams refusing to follow the OC's decision forfeit their points for that match.

Replacement of Players

Player replacements: No player replacements are allowed mid-tournament, except under the specific circumstances below. A trade between two teams is not a replacement — see Player Trades.
Mid-season assessment: A mid-season review addresses player unavailability. If a player confirms availability but fails to show up multiple times during the first leg, they may be disqualified — no penalty is imposed on the team.
Replacement eligibility: If a player is unavailable for the entire tournament for any reason, the owner is eligible to request a replacement.
Replacement player rule: A replacement must play at least 2 matches during the second leg. Failure results in penalties.
Replacement conditions: Replacements are selected from the pool of on-hold players, subject to availability.
Replacement criteria: First, the ratings of available players across all domains (closest match if no exact match). Second, first-come, first-served.
Mandatory matches per player: Each player must play at least 5 of the 10 league matches.

Player Trades

No trades after the auction: No trades are allowed immediately after the auction. Squads settle with the players they bought first.
Trade window: The trade window opens after the 3rd match and closes before the 6th match. Trades can only be agreed and completed within that window.
Rosters locked outside the window: Outside the trade window, rosters are locked — no player moves between teams at any other point in the season.

Innings / Interval

Match format: League matches: 20 overs per side — 18 if the day’s overs are cut for a late first match — with an end change after every 5 overs. Knockouts (semi-finals and final): 25 overs per side, end change after every 5 overs.
Innings time limit: Each innings must be completed within 80 minutes, as decided by the OC. If a team is responsible for consistent delays (15+ minutes in at least three matches), the captain is penalised and is not allowed to play in the following match.
Bowling limit — league (20 overs): At least 6 bowlers must bowl, and there is no cap on the maximum number of bowlers used. Only 2 bowlers may bowl a maximum of 4 overs each; every other bowler is capped at 3 overs. The full quota is therefore 4+4+3+3+3+3.
Bowling limit — knockouts (25 overs): At least 6 bowlers must bowl, and there is no cap on the maximum number of bowlers used. Up to 2 bowlers may bowl 5 overs each and up to 3 bowlers may bowl 4 overs each, leaving 3 overs for a 6th bowler — 5+5+4+4+4+3.
Bowling limit when overs are reduced: If the day's overs are cut for a late start, the top quota drops with them and the 6-bowler minimum still applies. In an 18-over league match no bowler may bowl more than 3 overs — 3+3+3+3+3+3. In a 24-over knockout only 1 bowler may bowl 5 overs, 4 bowlers may bowl 4 overs each and the sixth bowls 3 — 5+4+4+4+4+3.
Emerging playing requirement (league only): In league matches, every Emerging Category player must either bat in the top 5 or bowl a minimum of 2 overs within the first 14 overs of the innings — one or the other, whichever the team chooses. The same applies to a super-sub: bat in the top 5, or bowl 2 overs inside the first 14. There is no such requirement in the knockouts.
Powerplay rules: The opening powerplay is the first 6 overs in both league and knockout matches — fixed, the same in each, with only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. (Knockouts previously had a 4-over powerplay.) League: no batting powerplay. Knockouts: the fixed Power Surges in overs 14–15 and 21–22 are replaced by a 2-over batting powerplay that the batting side may take any time after the 17th over, during which 3 fielders are allowed outside the circle.
Breaks: A 5-minute break between innings, and a 2-minute drinks break after 10 overs in each innings.
Reserved days: Reserved days are allocated for the semi-finals and final to account for unforeseen delays or disruptions.
Chucking action: Chucking is strictly prohibited (from ICL 10.0). Any bowler with an illegal action is immediately banned from bowling. A corrected action may be reviewed by the OC in consultation with umpires before the bowler resumes.
Chuck bowlers — final list: The following bowlers have been identified with an illegal (chucking) action and are barred from bowling in ICL 13: 1) Santosh Lad, 2) Kiran T, 3) Rahul H, 4) Aman, 5) Vivek Kumar, 6) Vivek Singh, 7) MKS, 8) Nilesh W, 9) Niraj Lathar.

Match Points

Points allocation: The winning team is awarded 2 points; the losing team receives 0.
Tie-breaker (Super Over): A tie is decided by a Super Over, repeated until a winner emerges. Each Super Over must feature a different bowler; batsmen dismissed in one cannot play subsequent ones; a maximum of 2 wickets is allowed per Super Over.
Forfeited matches: If a team forfeits, the opposing team is awarded 2 points.
Cancelled matches: If a match cannot continue due to inventory or ground issues, it is declared cancelled and both teams receive 1 point each.
No-show by both teams: If both teams fail to show up, neither receives any points (0 each).
No minimum participation requirement: There is no minimum number of players a team must field. A team short on availability plays with the reduced number and the match is played as normal — no cancellation, no forfeited points.
First-match over-reduction penalty: The first match of the day carries the whole day's schedule. If the over-reduction rule is not adhered to — the match starts past 9:45 AM and the day's innings are not cut to 18 overs — a 1-point penalty is imposed on both teams playing that first match.
Player match participation penalty: After all league matches, a 1-point penalty is imposed on any team that does not ensure each player plays at least 5 of the 10 league matches. Exceptional cases are evaluated by the OC.
Second innings not completed: If the second innings cannot be completed due to external factors, the DLS rule applies after a minimum of 5 overs, calculated using an online DLS calculator. (See Rain, DLS & Time Management for the rain rules and the fixed DLS cut-off times.)

Rain, DLS & Time Management

Rain before the match: If a match cannot be played because of rain, the first preference is to reschedule it — preferably on Sunday as a double-header. If rescheduling is not possible the match is cancelled and the points are shared: 1 point each, or 0 each, as decided by the OC. The OC has final authority on whether a match is rescheduled or cancelled, based on the weather, available time and the tournament schedule.
Rain affecting the first match: If the first match of the day cannot be started because of rain, the entire day’s matches are rescheduled or cancelled — no later match is played if the first scheduled match cannot take place. The OC may make an exception if weather and ground conditions improve sufficiently and the remaining matches can be completed without affecting the tournament schedule.
DLS during a match: If the first innings is completed and rain interrupts the second innings, the DLS method applies — but only after a minimum of 5 overs of the second innings have been completed. If rain interrupts before those 5 overs are done, the OC decides whether the match can be resumed or what other action is required. Once the minimum 5 overs are complete, DLS is used to determine the revised target or result.
DLS cut-off times: For the first match of the day, DLS is forcefully applied at 12:30 PM. For the second match, DLS is forcefully applied at 3:30 PM. These cut-offs apply regardless of how many overs or balls are remaining and regardless of whether it rains — they exist so that evening matches are not delayed. Once the cut-off is reached the match is concluded using DLS, provided the minimum DLS requirements have been met.
OC’s final authority: In exceptional circumstances — particularly during an important match, or where the match situation requires special consideration — the OC takes the final call on DLS application, match continuation, rescheduling or cancellation, based on ground conditions, weather, available time and the overall tournament schedule. The OC’s decision is final and binding in all matters relating to weather interruptions, DLS and match scheduling.
Responsibility of captains: Both captains are jointly responsible for completing their match within the allotted time: teams ready on time, the match proceeding without unnecessary delays, and no deliberate time-wasting, slowing down of the game or unnecessary interruptions. A captain found deliberately delaying a match may face a match ban or other disciplinary action — decided by the OC after discussing the matter with both teams/captains. Genuine delays caused by rain, injuries, equipment issues or other unavoidable circumstances are considered separately by the OC.
General time management: Teams should report to the ground well before their scheduled match time, and captains are responsible for having their players ready to take the field promptly. The next match should be ready to begin as soon as the previous one is completed. All teams are expected to cooperate with the OC and match officials to keep the tournament on schedule, so that evening matches are not delayed and every scheduled match is completed on time.

Umpires / Scorers

Final authority of umpires: The umpire's decision is final. Excessive argument or disrespect towards umpires results in a 5-run penalty, at the umpires' discretion and only if both umpires agree.
Captain's role in discussions: Only the captains may seek clarification or discuss doubts with the umpires.
Resolution of rule confusion: Umpires may consult among themselves or seek guidance from the organizers in unique situations. If they make a ruling on the ground, it is final — even the organizers cannot overturn it.
Altering decisions: Umpires may alter a decision, but only promptly, without external influence, and by mutual agreement between both umpires.
Scoring reconciliation: Scorers use both a mobile app and traditional scoring. After every over, umpires and scorers reconcile the ball count; discrepancies are decided by the umpires and scorer. The scorer verifies the score at the end of each over.
Suspension for misconduct: The umpire or OC can suspend a player whose behaviour violates fair play, only if both umpires and OC agree.
Penalties for team misconduct: For consistent misconduct, the umpire or OC may impose a fine and suspend the captain for one match, at their discretion.

Retention Policy

Annual format: The ICL follows an annual format with 2–3 seasons conducted across the year.
Ownership and mini-auction: Team ownership remains unchanged through the year unless decided by the OC or complained by 50% of the team's players. A mini-auction is held before each season for released and new players.
Player retention rules: Every team may retain up to 2 players — one from the team's top three MVPs (on CricHeroes) and one from the rest of the roster. This is the same for all 6 owners. In addition, the top four owners each get one Right to Match (RTM); owners 5 and 6 do not.
Mega auction: A Mega Auction is conducted annually — all teams are dissolved and players are reallocated through fresh bidding.

Based on the ICL 2025 Rules & Regulations (OC Team), updated for Season 13.