Official Tournament Rules

Match Format: Limited overs cricket

Overs per Innings: 16 overs

Total Teams: 18 teams

Groups: 2 groups of 9 teams each

Group Stage Format: Round-robin – Each team will play against every other team in its group an equal number of times

Qualification Structure

• Top 4 teams from each group qualify for the Quarterfinals
• Followed by Semi-Finals and the Final

• Ground Format: 360-degree play (all-around boundary)
• Match Type: Day–Night Cricket
• Ball Type: NCL-approved Tennis Ball
• Pitch: Low-density turf surface
• Pitch Length: 22 yards (wicket to wicket)

Squad Size: Maximum 15 players per team

Playing XI:

• 10 players on the field
• 1 Impact Player (as per NCL rules)

Powerplay Overs: First 6 overs

• Only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle

Post Powerplay (Overs 7–16)

• Maximum 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle

• Win: 2 points
• Tie / No Result: 1 point each
• Loss: 0 points

Tie-breaker

Net Run Rate (NRR) will be used to determine rankings in case of points tie

Matches will start strictly as per the scheduled time slots

Toss Timing: 15 minutes before scheduled match start

Minimum Player Requirement

• At least 6 players must be present on the field at the time of the toss
• If a team has fewer than 6 players, the opposing team will automatically be awarded the toss

Innings & Over Rate

• Innings Break: 5 minutes between innings
• Over Rate: Teams must complete 16 overs within 70 minutes
• 73+ minutes will result in a reduction of 1 over for the batting side while chasing

Standard cricket rules apply for: Runs, Byes, Overthrows, No-balls and wides

Special Conditions

• NO LEG BYES allowed
• Single Batter Rule: A single batter cannot bat alone
• Free Hit: Awarded after all no-balls
• Runners: Substitute runners for injured batsmen are allowed only with umpire permission

• Wide Ball: 1 run + extra delivery
• No-Ball: 1 run + extra delivery + Free Hit
• No-ball will be called for: Overstepping; Full toss above waist height (as per ICC rules)
• Overthrows: All runs scored, including overthrow runs, will count
• Byes: Allowed and counted

Umpires: 1–2 neutral umpires will be appointed by NCL League Coordinators

Decision Reviews

Decisions can be challenged only for: No-balls, Wide balls, Run-outs

• Reviews Allocation: Each team gets 2 reviews per match
• Final Decision: Umpire's decision after review will be final and binding

• Teams are expected to uphold the Spirit of Cricket and fair play at all times
• Any disputes, misconduct, or rule clarifications must be reported to the League Coordinator
• The League Coordinator's decision will be final in all non-playing matters