Essential Fantasy Cricket Rules: All You Must Know

Playing cricket has its own set of rules for teams and players. Similarly, playing fantasy cricket also has its own essential rules that every user must be aware of.

Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, it is essential to understand the rules properly before playing. By knowing all the basic and essential fantasy cricket rules, you can create the best team, improve your winning strategy, and win good bonuses.

Choosing popular players isn’t always the ideal choice in fantasy cricket. Ensure you select players while understanding the scoring system and how their roles in different match formats affect scoring. This strategic captaincy and vice-captain selection are even better.

Whether it’s Dil Se Fantasy or another platform, knowing the rules of fantasy cricket not only helps you avoid minor mistakes but also helps players who don’t understand the game seriously. This article serves as an overview, covering the most important rules every fantasy cricket player should learn to reach the next level in their game.

Basic Fantasy Cricket Rules Every Player Should Know

Just like any other game, fantasy cricket has its own particular rules and regulations. Whether it’s real cricket or fantasy cricket, there are the same critical elements that need to be adhered to. For instance, there are overlimits, a batting sequence, and at times, constraints on batting positions, as well as the arrangement of players on the field. Fantasy cricket adheres to the same basic rules regarding team formation and point allocation. Understanding rules and guidelines helps players overcome common challenges and enjoy the game with a relaxed and calm attitude.

1. Building Your Team

Similar to real cricket, fantasy cricket requires every team to have 11 players. However, you cannot select only batsmen or only bowlers. You need a balanced team. Usually, you require 4 or 5 batsmen, 3 or 4 bowlers, 1 or 2 all-rounders, and at least one wicketkeeper. This could vary according to a person’s preference, whether for a T20, ODI, or Test game; the goal remains the same: a balanced team that can effectively perform all the various roles, such as scoring runs, taking wickets, catching, or even running out the other players.

2. Managing Your Credits

Each player is assigned a credit value which defines their form and standing in the game. You are going to be given, in most instances, a budget of 100 credits to create your team. That implies you cannot simply load your roster with elite players. You must combine a few high stake players with budget-friendly options that can still perform well. It is all about finding that sweet spot.

3. Picking Players from Both Teams

In order to level the playing field, most fantasy sites impose a limit on the number of players you can take from one actual team. Most sites let you take a maximum of 7 players from one team. It prevents you from focusing on one team and requires you to look at both teams that are playing and think more tactically on how to divide your selections.

Scoring System in Fantasy Cricket

In fantasy cricket, the performance of your selected players in a real match is crucial. Each player’s contribution in the real match in terms of runs, wickets, and catches is directly proportional to the score of your fantasy team.

1. Batting Points

In a fantasy cricket match, runs are earned in real-time wins, and accordingly, you score. To earn higher in a fantasy cricket match, runs are not the only criteria, as points may be earned in a variety of ways.

Runs Scored: To your fantasy score, every single run is integral, and a high score will lead to a higher fantasy score reward.
Boundaries: Added to the above, a batter with aggressive, ‘go for it’ batting, striking the rope regularly, will make you earn fantasy score because of the extra bonuses attached to fours and sixes.
Strike Rate Bonus (T20/ODI): To qualify for this bonus, the player must maintain a minimum score of 45 runs in 20 balls. For every 5 runs above this threshold, a bonus is awarded, while for slumping, points are deducted.

2. Bowling Points

In fantasy cricket, bowlers have the potential to be the real match winners. For your score, every single wicket is precious, while some dismissals, such as LBW or bowled, which, because of their unique nature, are considered to be dismissals of extra value.

Wickets: Each wicket earns points and clean dismissals such as ‘bowled’ and ‘LBW’ usually get you a small bonus.
Maiden Overs: T20 and ODI cricket formats reward a bowler who manages to bowl an entire over without a single run scored. It also earns bonus points for bowler who manages to maintain a tight run score.
Economy Rate: Bowlers who concede less runs per over are respected. Tight control and discipline will earn points while the opposite will cause a loss of points.

3. Fielding Points

In fantasy cricket, fielders can quietly accumulate a fair amount of points. Each completed catch, stumping, or run-out adds to your points count. In closely contested games, wicketkeepers and sharp fielders can make a significant difference.

Catches, Stumpings & Run-Outs: These are the standard fielding points every player earns. Every single dismissal, no matter how small, adds to the score. A quick stumping or catching the ball while diving are both game winners.
Direct-Hit Bonus: A player is awarded extra points if a run out is completed with a throw to the stumps. This type of award is designed to encourage accuracy and snap decisions.

4. Negative Points

Like most games, fantasy cricket involves losing points too. Too many mishaps can sabotage an otherwise successful match. Players can lose points for various reasons, as highlighted below.

Ducks: Players can lose points if they get out for a duck. Although there are instances when a player can be benched with the rest of the team, getting a duck is the worst. This, however, is often the worst way to lose points – if it were up to those benching, losing a player should never be an option.
High Economy Rates: There are various ways bowlers can be punished for getting too permissive with the points. A player who concedes way to many runs per over as is particularly referred to as loose, and will lose points for his average economy.

Role of Captain and Vice-Captain in Fantasy Cricket

It is an understatement to say the role of a captain and a vice captain is an easy task. Out of all the roles a captain/vice captain carries the greatest multi-scorer value and can influence the outcome of the competition, even single handedly, regardless of the contributions of the other players.

1. Multipliers in Scoring

Captain = 2x Points: The captain earns double the points for every action on the field. If they score a century, take wickets, or even a player run out, they will be rewarded twice as a captain. With a well-thought-out strategy will be on the top of the list. The captain can add points on top of the board single handedly to the whole squad.
Vice Captain = 1.5x Points : The vice captain is also rewarded; however, they earn 1.5x points instead of 2. It is an excellent strategy to employ during intense competitions. The only difference the choice of a vice captain can make is, as stated, even the top 10. It is important to consider the playing conditions for a specific match, as well as the role of a player in the match.

2. Strategy in Selection

Picking captains and vice captains on the basis of track records or fan following and popularity without any other analysis results in a common fantasy players’ trap. Picking someone ‘out of form’ simply because of their celebrity status could set you back on several points despite all the ‘elite’ positions and records they hold.

Instead, try assessing recent form in relation to the match, and study their records from the last few matches and the criteria mentioned above. How fluid has their scoring been? Are they pivotal bowlers in crucial overs? Are they comfortable on the pitch and in the stadium?

This is what clever players do:

Select top-order batters with a higher probability of retention to face more balls.
All-rounders who bat and ball are the best candidates.
Bowlers bowling power plays or in the death overs can also be advantageous.
Players not in rhythm because of injury, or who have not played in a while, can be ignored.

Focusing on ‘impact’, rather than ‘names’ is the more beneficial approach. Have your captains and vice captains be the real match winners, not just active players. With the right circumstances, there are heavy multipliers on the score, resulting in a great winning opportunity as well.

Match & Format Specific Rules in Fantasy Cricket

Fantasy cricket does not work in the same way everywhere. Like real cricket for example T20, ODI, and Test all require different strategies, and the same can be said for their different paces, roles for each player, and the way the score is accumulated. If the aim is to create winning teams, the strategies will have to be adjusted to the format as well.

1. T20 Fantasy Rules:

T20 is all about impact. Each side has just 20 overs, hence the players have to papper as much as possible. This is the time when real cricket goes haywire with the own scoring and fantasy cricket as well. One over can make or break the score. It can send it to the sky with just a few balls, or it can bring the score lower than expected.

Top Order Batters are Gold: These types have players who have the greatest chance to score. Right-hand T20 players are the players with aggressive batting and have the highest score with a high strike rate.
Death Over Bowlers are Wicket Machines: These the guys and girls are the MVPs of the final overs.
All-Rounders Are Your Safety Net: Players who can contribute with bat and bowl are worth their weight in gold. Even if they flop in one role, they made it in the other.
Captain/Vice-Captain Picks Should be Players with Impact: Choose players who participate in all the activities of the game. Batting, bowling, and fielding. Their chances of having are higher.
Avoid Middle Order Batters Unless They are Finishers: Many middle-order players do not get enough balls to face. Only select them if they are finishers.

2. ODI Fantasy Rules

ODIs give a bit more to breathe. With 50 overs a side, players have more time to build innings and settle into bowling spells. Fantasy scoring here rewards consistent and sustained performance.

Anchor Your Team with Trustworthy Batters of the Top Order: Look for batters who can score 70 to 100 runs and bat deep into the innings. Quick 30s don’t hold much value here.
Bowlers who operate in the middle overs are game changers: Bonuses who operate between overs 11 to 40 change the game by breaking partnerships and changing the momentum around. These wickets are crucial for fantasy points.
All-rounders Who Bowl Full Spells Are Ideal In ODIs: Talking about all-rounders that bowl 8-10 overs and bat in the middle order is something that is highly regarded. They have a chance to bat and bowl in both innings which gives them a chance to score more.
Captain/Vice-Captain Should Be Consistent Performers: Just like in T20, these are players who are expected to provide consistent results over a period of time. The aim is to decrease the amount of risk and go for form rather than score.
Fielding Contributions Matter More Than You Think: There are more overs so there is an increased likelihood of catches, run-outs, and stumpings. Keepers and good fielders should not be overlooked in this regard.

3. Test Match Fantasy Rules

Test cricket is a different beast altogether. It is the opposite of the fast-paced, strategic and designed for stamina like a marathon. Scoring in fantasy cricket is rewarding for long periods, big innings, and consistent control.

Pick Batters Who Can Build Big Scores: In a Test, a batter that scores 150+ over the course of 2 innings is much more valuable than one who scores a flashy 50. You should look for players who have good technique and mentality.
Bowlers Who Can Bowl Long Spells Are Crucial: Test matches are a treasure for bowlers. It gives them a chance to settle in and work over batters. Spinners and pacers who bowl 20+ overs across innings are fantasy gold.
All-Rounders Still Matter, But Role Clarity Is Key: Not all all-rounders have the same opportunities. Select the ones who will definitely bat and bowl regularly.
Captain/Vice-Captain should be frontline batters: Choose batters who bat in both innings or bowlers who are predicted to bowl for long periods. Their participation over multiple days enhances your scoring.
Wicketkeepers can often be overlooked; However, the keeper has the greatest opportunities for catches and stumpings and can frequently accumulate points unnoticed. Do not let them slip by.

Time and Locking Rules

Fantasy cricket is a time-sensitive phenomenon and while knowing when your team will lock is critical. In other words, once the matches starts, the team is set in stone. No edits and no swaps. This is the reason why precision is important.

1. Team Deadline

On most platforms, team bookings are locked just before the toss. This is the deadline for making any changes. After the toss when the playing XI is announced, you can no longer edit your team. If you miss this window, you are left with the choice, some of the players are not even playing.

Tip: To ensure you are plumbing the final adjustments once the toss and lineup are set, schedule a notification that goes off between 30 and 45 minutes before the match begins.

2. Playing XI Updates

Before finalizing your team, always check the confirmed playing XI. This happens when many fantasy players lose points, simply because they picked a player that wasn’t even in the match.

Once the match starts, no changes are allowed. If your team is selected and a player on the bench, that means they won’t earn any points. This can be detrimental to your success.

Tip: For any changes, follow the official team announcements or follow credible cricket news like Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo for prompt changes.

Substitute and Bench Rule

Fantasy cricket is a set and forget format. There are some platforms that give a bit of looseners. Other platforms enable more movement.

1. Late Swaps

In some applications, substitution after the start of the match is allowed. In most applications, however, a player’s changes are restricted once the team is built.

Suggestion: Do not rely on changes if the system does not permit them. Assuming there will no changes, build your team in advance.

2. Injuries During Match

In case a player is hurt, it is unfortunate that there is no substitution and the player will perform according to what they were able to do prior to the injury.

Suggestion: Pick players who are not injured and do not listen to them if they are due to injuries, do not listen to them if they are due to injuries.

3. Non Playing Players

If you choose a player who is not a member of the playing XI, that player will earn zero points.

Suggestion: There are no easy points. No matter how great a player is, if they do not enter the game, no points will be scored.

Rules on Prize Distributions

Satisfaction is gained on winning which satisfaction also comes by gaining knowledge on how to distribute the prizes.

1. Contest Ranks

Dividing a contest prize among winners is known as prize distribution. Here, the winner gets the largest one, while the last place may get nothing or a very small prize.

Winners-takes-all prize distribution is the opposite of giving awards to the top 10, 25 or 50% of the participants.

Tip: Before joining a contest, check the possible distribution of prizes to understand the contest better.

2. Tie-Breaking Scenarios

If players have the same score, prizes are divided equally. There are cases where the prizes may be divided based on the order of submission of the team, or based on the performance of the captain.

Tip: Don’t worry about these as they are not very common. What is important is to have a good team.

3. Multiple Entries

There are contests where participants are allowed to enter a team, and other contests where participants are allowed to enter multiple teams. Although these are more difficult to strategize, they also greatly improve your chances of success.

Tip: If you are entering multiple teams, don’t use the same players for all of your teams. Go for different strategies for all your entries.

Platform-Specific Variations

Each fantasy platform has its own rules. Different apps or websites may have different scoring systems as well as team contest configurations.

Differences in rules

Some platforms provide additional points for reaching milestones such as 30s or 50s. Others may assign penalties for slow strike rates more harshly. Even the credits system and limits on players can be different.

Tip: Never assume that rules are consistent across the board. Strategies that are successful on one application may fail completely on another.

Examine the Rulebook

It pays to spare a few minutes reading the rules, and the same is the case for the platform. In most cases, it can be found in the help section or as part of the contest details.

Tip: The quickest and most efficient way is to save the page with the rules to your device. This way, it is simple to refer to the page whenever there is uncertainty about scoring or limits on the teams.

Smart Tips to Follow Rules Effectively

It is one thing to say that there are rules to be followed, and another to say that there is a structure that is set to help you win, which is precisely what these rules and the right fantasy cricket tips are for.

Learn the contention scoring system: Thoroughly understand the structure of how points are awarded so you can determine which actions will earn you points and which can result in losing points.
Balance Star and Budget Picks: Avoid the temptation of spending all your credits on only the big names. Include more budget-friendly players, are in form, and are likely to play important roles.
Players’ Form Analysis and Pitch Conditions: Thoroughly check stats, venue history, and forecasts. A spinner might dominate on a dry pitch, and pacers will shine under clouds.
Monitor Toss and Line-up Announce: Fiddle the variables as the Toss can change everything. Bench the indefinables till confirmed. Adjust with who’s out and who’s in the probable.

Start with Smaller Contests If your goal is to try a new strategy, it’s best to join smaller. They bring great learning opportunities with minimal risk.