5 changes to ODI cricket rules over the years

#5 Infield restrictions

Prior to 2015, two fielders were supposed to be in catching position

Infield restrictions have been limited but useful to avoid any unfair advantage to the fielding team. Earlier, two fielders in catching position were mandatory during the powerplay, however, that rule was done away with in 2015.

Today, the rules prevent the fielder to stand on the pitch and if a fielder’s shadow is cast over the pitch then he is required to not move until after the batsman has played the ball. Apart from these rules, there must not be more than two fielders in the quadrant of the field behind square leg (apart from the wicketkeeper) to avoid body line tactics being by the fielding team.