The IPL matches use the T20 format, and each match can decide the winner within 3 hours.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of IPL rules, covering match format, innings structure, in-game restrictions, and playoff advancement criteria.
2025 IPL Cricket Match Rules
The IPL uses the T20 format, with each team sending out 11 players (a maximum of 4 foreign players on the field). Each team has one innings, with 20 overs per innings, and 6 balls per over.
At the end of each team’s bowling innings, a total of 120 legitimate balls will be bowled in IPL cricket rules.
The bowling team must complete 20 overs of bowling within 90 minutes; the match will only end when either all 10 batsmen are out or both teams have completed 20 overs, the team with the higher total score is the winner.
💡 If the match ends in a tie after 20 overs, the match will go into a Super Over, with each team only sending out 3 batsmen and 1 bowler to compete for the final victory!
Read More: T20 Cricket Guide: Format, India Team Schedule and Betting
Team Composition in IPL
In IPL cricket rules, each team can have a maximum of 25 players (at least 18 players), and the player positions include: batsmen, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, fast bowlers, and spin bowlers.
Each team can have a maximum of 8 foreign players. In each match, only up to 4 foreign players can be on the field.
Each team has a total of 5 substitute players, only one of whom can become an Impact Player who takes on a batting or bowling role. The other substitutes can only serve as fielders or runners.
What Are the Restrictions in IPL Matches?
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Season Structure of IPL
The season structure is divided into the Regular Season (Group Stage) → Playoffs → Final (Champion). The tournament typically starts in late March and ends in late May each year.
The 10 teams are drawn to determine their groups and matchups, followed by a double round-robin format in IPL cricket rules.
Each team will play twice (once at home and once away) against the other four teams in their group and one team from the other group;play one match against each of the remaining four teams from the other group.
Each team plays a total of 14 matches, with rankings determined based on points, and the top 4 teams with the highest points directly qualify for the playoffs.
The playoffs will consist of 3 matches, the 1st match is called Qualifier 1, the 2nd match is called the Eliminator, and the 3rd match is called Qualifier 2; then the final (championship match) will take place.
- Qualifier 1 (First Match): 1st vs 2nd in the points table. The winner goes to the “Championship Match,” while the loser goes to “Qualifier 2” for another match.
- Eliminator (Second Match): 3rd vs 4th in the points table. The winner goes to “Qualifier 2” for another match, while the loser is eliminated and finishes as IPL’s 4th place.
- Qualifier 2 (Third Match): Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator. The winner goes to the “Championship Match,” while the loser finishes as IPL’s 3rd place.
- Final: The winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 will face off in the final to determine the IPL champion of the season.
Recommended Reading: 2025 IPL Playoffs: Format, Rules, and Team Predictions!
IPL Prize Money and Individual Awards
Only the top 4 teams in the IPL each year are eligible for prize money in IPL cricket rules.
The amount awarded varies annually and is based on the total prize pool for that season. Most teams give extra rewards to the championship-winning squad.
- 4th place receives 10-15% of the prize money.
- 3rd place receives 15-20% of the prize money.
- 2nd place receives 25-30% of the prize money.
- Champions receive 40-50% of the prize money.
The 5 most common individual awards are: the most boundaries scored, the best young player (under 23 years old), the most valuable player (overall performance), purple cap (highest wicket-taking bowler), and orange cap (highest run-scorer of the season).
- Most Boundaries Scored: ₹100,000 to ₹120,000.
- Emerging Player Award: ₹100,000 to ₹120,000.
- MVP (Most Valuable Player): ₹100,000 to ₹200,000.
- Purple Cap: ₹100,000 to ₹150,000.
- Orange Cap: ₹100,000 to ₹150,000.
The prize money for individual awards fluctuates each year! It mainly comes from the sponsors of the season, and the more sponsors there are the higher the prize money.
Related Reading: Indian cricket salaries revealed: Who earns the most in 2025?
FAQs
- Before or after the start of each over
- When a batsman is dismissed
- When a player is injured and leaves the field
- A fine ranging from ₹120,000 to ₹300,000.
- A direct penalty of runs awarded by the umpire.
- Only 4 fielders allowed within the 30-yard circle.
• Bowling team: Between 6th–9th overs.
• Batting team: Between 13th–16th overs.
💡 If not requested, the umpire enforces it after the 9th and 16th over.
