The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Cricket: Rules, Benefits, Equipment & How to Get Started

Cricket is loved worldwide, but weather, limited space, and busy schedules can sometimes make outdoor games difficult. That is where indoor cricket becomes the perfect solution. Fast-paced, exciting, and highly skill-based, indoor cricket offers all the thrills of traditional cricket in a smaller enclosed arena.

Whether you are a beginner, junior player, club cricketer, or someone looking to stay active year-round, indoor cricket is a fantastic way to improve your game while having fun.

At PS Cricket, we support every form of cricket—from backyard sessions to competitive indoor leagues. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about indoor cricket, including rules, equipment, benefits, strategies, and why it’s growing rapidly in Australia.

What Is Indoor Cricket?

Indoor cricket is a modified version of outdoor cricket played inside a fully enclosed indoor court with nets around the playing area. It combines cricket skills with fast reactions, quick running, and constant involvement.

Unlike traditional cricket where some players may wait long periods to bat or bowl, indoor cricket ensures everyone gets a chance to bat, bowl, and field, making it a highly engaging sport. Cricket Australia notes indoor cricket is fast-paced and gives all players involvement regardless of ability.

Origin of Indoor Cricket

Indoor cricket developed in Australia and became extremely popular because it allowed cricket to be played:

• During rainy seasons

• At night after work

• In limited urban spaces

• All year round

• In organised social leagues

Today, indoor cricket is played competitively in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, India, and several other countries.

How Indoor Cricket Is Played

The most common indoor cricket format includes:

• 2 teams

• 8 players per team (some centres use 6-player formats)

• 16 overs per innings

• Every player bats and bowls

• Batters usually bat in pairs

• Matches last around 60–90 minutes

Official rules commonly use 8-player teams with each player bowling two overs and batting in partnerships.

Indoor Cricket Court Setup

Indoor cricket is played in a rectangular enclosed court with net walls and roof netting.

Typical features:

• Artificial turf surface

• Standard cricket pitch length

• Nets on all sides

• Spring-back stumps

• Marked creases and scoring zones

Because the ball remains in play after hitting nets, the game moves quickly with minimal stoppages.

Indoor Cricket Rules Explained

Rules vary slightly by venue, but standard indoor cricket includes:

1. Batting in Pairs

Players bat in pairs for a set number of overs. Even if dismissed, they continue batting, but runs are deducted.

2. Bowling Rotation

Each player bowls a fixed number of overs, ensuring everyone participates.

3. Scoring Runs

Runs can come from:

• Running between creases

• Hitting side nets

• Hitting back net

• Extras like wides and no-balls

4. Wickets

Dismissals usually deduct runs (commonly five runs) rather than ending the batter’s innings.

Why Indoor Cricket Is So Popular

1. Everyone Gets Involved

Unlike outdoor cricket where some players may field for long periods without much action, indoor cricket keeps every player involved constantly.

2. Great Fitness Training

Indoor cricket includes:

• Sprinting

• Agility

• Reflexes

• Hand-eye coordination

• Cardiovascular endurance

3. Weather-Proof

No cancellations due to:

• Rain

• Extreme heat

• Wet outfields

• Poor light

4. Social & Competitive

Indoor cricket suits both:

• Casual social teams

• Serious league competition

• Junior development programs

• Corporate teams

Benefits for Outdoor Cricketers

Indoor cricket can dramatically improve outdoor performance.

Better Reflexes

Because the game is fast, players improve reaction speed.

Improved Running Between Wickets

Quick turns and communication help players run smarter outdoors.

Stronger Fielding Skills

Close fielding and rapid throws sharpen reflexes.

Better Bat Control

Tight spaces encourage precision strokes and placement.

Many coaches recommend indoor cricket during off-season training.

Indoor Cricket Equipment

You do not need a full outdoor cricket kit, but quality gear helps.

Essential Equipment:

• Cricket bat

• Indoor cricket ball or soft centre ball

• Gloves

• Non-marking indoor shoes

• Comfortable sportswear

• Protective guard

Best Bat for Indoor Cricket

Indoor cricket players usually prefer:

• Lightweight bats

• Good pick-up

• Thick edges

• Strong handle

• Excellent control

At PS Cricket, players can find bats suited for both outdoor and indoor training use.

Indoor Cricket Batting Tips

1. Use Placement Over Power

Smart placement beats brute force indoors.

2. Watch Net Angles

Use side nets to create scoring chances.

3. Call Quickly

Running between wickets must be instant and clear.

4. Stay Balanced

Shorter reaction times mean footwork matters.

Indoor Cricket Bowling Tips

1. Bowl Straight

Avoid wides—extras are costly.

2. Change Pace

Slower balls and cutters work well indoors.

3. Hit Good Lengths

Difficult lengths reduce net scoring options.

4. Use Angles

Vary line to limit easy deflections.

Indoor Cricket Fielding Tips

• Stay low and ready

• Expect rebounds from nets

• Throw accurately

• Communicate loudly

• Back up every play

Is Indoor Cricket Good for Kids?

Absolutely. Indoor cricket is excellent for juniors because:

• Everyone participates

• Safe controlled environment

• Shorter match times

• Builds confidence

• Develops core cricket skills

Cricket Australia promotes junior indoor formats as high-involvement cricket for young players. 

Indoor Cricket in Australia

Australia is one of the strongest indoor cricket nations in the world. Indoor cricket has major participation across states and national championships. Cricket ACT notes participation by more than 180,000 Australians across age levels and abilities.

How to Start Playing Indoor Cricket

Step 1: Find a Local Indoor Centre

Most cities have indoor sports centres with cricket leagues.

Step 2: Join a Team

You can join:

• Social leagues

• Competitive leagues

• Junior teams

• Mixed teams

Step 3: Get Basic Gear

A bat, gloves, shoes, and sportswear are usually enough.

Step 4: Play Regularly

Weekly games quickly improve fitness and skill.

Indoor Cricket vs Outdoor Cricket

Feature	Indoor Cricket	Outdoor Cricket
Team Size	6–8 players	11 players
Match Time	60–90 mins	Several hours
Weather Impact	None	High
Player Involvement	Very High	Variable
Fitness Intensity	High	Moderate

Final Thoughts

Indoor cricket is one of the best ways to enjoy cricket in a fast, social, and skill-focused environment. It builds fitness, improves reactions, sharpens cricket technique, and keeps players active year-round.

Whether you are training for outdoor season, introducing kids to cricket, or simply looking for a fun weekly sport, indoor cricket is an excellent choice.

For quality cricket bats, gloves, training gear, and accessories, visit PS Cricket and get ready to dominate your next indoor match.