The rules of women’s cricket in India largely follow the standard international cricket regulations set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), with some specific guidelines tailored to the women’s game. Here are the key rules and regulations:

Match Format

Test Matches: Played over four days with each team having two innings. Follow the traditional format of men’s Test cricket.

One Day Internationals (ODIs): Each team faces 50 overs.

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Each team faces 20 overs.

Playing Conditions

Pitch and Ground: The pitch dimensions and ground specifications are the same as men’s cricket.

Ball: A standard cricket ball weighing between 140 grams to 151 grams is used.

Overs: In ODIs, each team bowls a maximum of 50 overs. In T20Is, each team bowls a maximum of 20 overs.

Team Composition

Squad Size: A team consists of 11 players with the option of naming a few substitutes.

Substitutes: Substitutes can replace injured players but cannot bowl or bat.

Batting and Bowling

Batting Order: Decided by the team captain and can be adjusted as needed.

Bowling Restrictions:

• In ODIs, no bowler can bowl more than 10 overs.
• In T20Is, no bowler can bowl more than 4 overs.

Fielding Restrictions:

• In ODIs: Powerplays restrict field placements at different stages of the innings.
• In T20Is: Powerplays also apply with specific fielding restrictions.

Dismissals

Types: Same as men’s cricket, including bowled, caught, leg before wicket (LBW), run out, stumped, hit wicket, etc.

Decision Review System (DRS): Used in international matches, allowing teams to challenge umpire decisions.

Conduct and Discipline

Code of Conduct: Players are expected to adhere to the ICC Code of Conduct, which includes sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, and avoiding dissent.

Penalties: For breaches, players can face fines, suspensions, and other sanctions.

Domestic Competitions

Tournaments: Various domestic tournaments are organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy and the Women’s T20 Challenge.

League Play: Matches are played in league and knockout formats, similar to international rules.

Safety and Attire

Protective Gear: Players must wear helmets, pads, gloves, and other protective equipment while batting and fielding in close positions.

Uniform: Teams wear color-coded uniforms for limited-overs matches and traditional white clothing for Test matches.

These rules ensure the game is played fairly and safely, promoting the growth and popularity of women’s cricket in India and globally.