Box cricket is cricket played in a compact netted enclosure, with the team size, overs and scoring rules adapted to the venue. T5 and T7 mean five and seven overs per side. The enclosure describes the setting; it does not define a single universal rulebook.
Before entering, check the published rules for team size, permitted ball, net rebounds, scoring zones, dismissals and bowling limits. On Zinga, the tournament page sets out its format and entry requirements. An assigned umpire records the match live so the performance becomes part of a player record.
| Format | Overs per side | Legal deliveries |
|---|---|---|
| T5 | 5 | 30 |
| T7 | 7 | 42 |
The court and its dimensions
Court length, width, net height and pitch length vary by venue. Do not assume a booking has a regulation size or that rules from another court apply. Ask the organiser for the playing dimensions and any local restrictions.
- Check the surface and footwear requirements
- Confirm the permitted ball and required protective equipment
- Check net boundaries, entry gates and safe spectator areas
- Allow time for the match, changeover and possible delays
Rules to check before playing
Net rebounds, scoring zones and last batter rules differ between competitions. A roof contact can have a different outcome from a side net contact. The rulebook must say whether a ball stays live, earns runs or produces a dismissal.
- Overs and players per side
- Runs awarded for each scoring zone
- Catch rules following contact with a net
- Bowling limits, run ups, wides and no balls
- Whether a final batter may continue alone
- Tie resolution and abandoned match rules
T5 and T7
A T5 innings has 30 legal deliveries; T7 has 42. Wides and no balls can add deliveries under the competition rules. With fewer balls available, early scoring and avoiding extras matter, but tactics still depend on the court and the opposition.
Planning your first match
Confirm the players who can attend and the equipment the venue supplies. Smaller teams can make organising a game easier, but neither everyone batting nor everyone bowling is guaranteed. Follow the stated playing conditions and arrive in time for the briefing.
How Zinga records the game
Assigned umpires record the match live. The scored match becomes part of the player record, alongside statistics and performance history.
Common questions
Are box cricket rules the same everywhere?
No. Read the rules for the specific venue and competition, particularly net contacts, scoring zones and dismissals.
How many players are in a team?
The competition defines both the playing side and the registered squad limit. Confirm these before inviting or registering players.
How long does a match take?
It depends on the overs, extras, breaks and venue schedule. Ask for the allocated match and changeover time rather than assuming a one hour booking is sufficient.
What equipment do I need?
Confirm the permitted ball, footwear, protective equipment and what the venue supplies with the organiser.
Can under 18s participate on Zinga?
Yes, with parental or lawful guardian consent, provided they meet the competition’s other entry requirements. This is not limited to junior categories.