Fielding restrictions

Fielding restrictions are rules in cricket that limit where players can stand on the field during certain overs, especially the first few. These restrictions help ensure the batting team has a fair chance by preventing the fielding team from clustering players too close to the batsman, which could make scoring difficult. The restrictions specify the number of fielders allowed outside a specific close-in area during these overs. Once those overs are complete, normal fielding positions are permitted. These rules promote a balanced game, encouraging both strategic placement and competitive scoring.