In the first six overs (powerplay) of a T20 cricket match, how many fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle?

In a T20 match, the first six overs of each innings are the mandatory powerplay. During these overs, a maximum of two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle (inner ring). After the powerplay, up to five fielders may be placed outside the circle.

Why the powerplay exists:

With most fielders inside the circle, there are big gaps in the outfield, so batsmen are encouraged to hit boundaries. This makes the early part of the innings exciting.

Fielding restrictions in different formats:

T20 Internationals:

• Overs 1-6 (powerplay): up to 2 fielders outside the circle.
• Overs 7-20: up to 5 fielders outside the circle.
• In a shortened (rain-affected) match, the length of the powerplay is reduced in proportion.

ODIs:

• Overs 1-10 (Powerplay 1): up to 2 fielders outside the circle.
• Overs 11-40 (Powerplay 2): up to 4 fielders outside.
• Overs 41-50 (Powerplay 3): up to 5 fielders outside.
• Test matches: no fielding restrictions of this type.

Other related rules:

• Slow over-rate penalty: since 2022, in T20Is and ODIs, if a team is behind the required over rate, it must bring one more fielder inside the circle for the remaining overs.
• There may be no more than 5 fielders on the leg side, and no more than 2 behind square on the leg side, at the time a ball is bowled.
• The 30-yard circle is marked by two semicircles of 30 yards (27.43 m) radius around each wicket, joined by straight lines.

IPL variation:

The IPL follows the same 6-over powerplay. It also uses the "Impact Player" rule (since 2023), which allows a team to replace one player during the match.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Three and four fielders are not the limit for the T20 powerplay; four is the limit for the middle overs (11-40) of an ODI.
• ✗Five is the maximum number of fielders allowed outside the circle after the powerplay in a T20.