One of the main reasons the IPL has stayed popular over the years is due to its unique rules. These include concepts like the powerplay, free hits, and of course, the limit on how many overs a bowler can bowl.
The IPL, known as the top T20 league, operates with its own set of guidelines. In this article, we’ll break down the rules around how many overs a bowler can bowl, not just in IPL but across other cricket formats as well.
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in IPL?
The IPL follows the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules for T20 matches. According to ICC Men’s Twenty20 International Playing Conditions (Rule 13.9), “No bowler shall bowl more than 4 overs in an innings.“
READ MORE: Will CSK Retain MS Dhoni Under New IPL 2025 Rules?
Adjustments for Shortened Matches
If a match is interrupted by rain or other issues, the number of overs for both teams may be reduced. In such cases, the number of overs each bowler can bowl is also adjusted.
For matches rescheduled to at least 10 overs, no bowler can bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs. If the total overs is not divisible by 5, one bowler may be allowed an extra over to balance it out.
For matches reduced to between 5 and 9 overs, no bowler can bowl more than 2 overs.
Why Is There a Limit?
The 4-over limit ensures a fair balance between batting and bowling. This prevents teams with strong bowlers from dominating the game by using their best bowlers for too many overs. It forces teams to strategize and make the best use of their bowling resources.
Bowling Limits in Other Formats
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in T20?
In all T20 matches, including IPL, bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs per game. This rule is designed to keep the competition balanced, ensuring both batters and bowlers play an equal part in the game.
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in Test Cricket?
Test cricket, the oldest format of the game, is played over five days with no strict limit on how many overs a bowler can bowl. However, in a single day of Test cricket, which consists of 90 overs, a bowler can bowl up to 45 overs if needed.
Generally, fast bowlers bowl fewer overs than spinners due to the physical energy needed. The most overs bowled by a bowler in a single inning is 98 by Sonny Ramadhin of the West Indies.
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in One-Day Internationals (ODI)?
In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), bowlers can bowl up to 10 overs. This encourages teams to rotate their bowlers to maintain variety and keep the batting team on edge.
ALSO READ: Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in 60-Over Cricket?
In some domestic and club leagues, 60-over matches are still played. In these games, bowlers are usually limited to 12 overs. This format allows bowlers slightly more time to settle into a rhythm than in ODIs.
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in T10 Cricket?
T10 is the shortest format in cricket, where bowlers are limited to just 2 overs. With only 10 overs per team, every ball is critical, requiring bowlers and captains to be highly creative and efficient.
How Many Overs Can a Bowler Bowl in 40-Over Cricket?
In regional 40-over matches, bowlers can bowl up to 8 overs. This format offers a balance between the longer ODI format and the shorter T20, giving bowlers a chance to find a rhythm while still being under pressure to take quick wickets.
READ MORE:
