A Powerplay is a rule introduced in 1991 concerning fielding restrictions

Fielding restrictions (cricket)

In the sport of cricket, different fielding restrictions are imposed depending on the type of match. They are used to discourage certain bowling tactics, or to encourage the batsmen to play big shots, enabling them to hit 4s and 6s. Each team has nine fielders other than the wicket-keeper and...

 in One Day International (ODI) cricket.

The Powerplay was intended to add to the excitement in ODI cricket. In a Powerplay fielding restrictions are applied on the fielding team, only 2 or 3 players are allowed outside the 30 yard circle which depends upon the type of powerplay. There are three Powerplays in an ODI cricket match.

Powerplay Rules

In an uninterrupted match, the first 10 overs of an inning will be a mandatory Powerplay. No team/captain can change the occurrence of this powerplay. The other two Powerplays are a block of 5 overs, one block shall be taken at the discretion of the fielding captain and the other at the discretion of either of the batsmen at the wicket. They can be referred as Bowling and Batting Powerplays. During the mandatory Powerplay only 2 fieldsmen are allowed outside the 30 yard circle and there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within the applicable fielding restriction area measured from the striker’s end at the instant of delivery. During Bowling and Batting Powerplay overs, only 3 fieldsmen are allowed outside the 30 yard circle. During the non Powerplay overs, no more than 5 fieldsmen shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area.

As of October 1, 2011, ICC

International Cricket Council

The International Cricket Council is the international governing body of cricket. It was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from England, Australia and South Africa, renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965, and took up its current name in 1989.The...

brought changes to the Bowling and Batting Powerplays. As per new rules, in a complete 50 over match, Bowling and Batting Powerplays cannot be taken until the end of 15th over and must be completed before the commencement of 41st over. Meaning, overs 11 to 15 and 41 to 50 cannot be Powerplay overs. Should either or both teams choose not to exercise their discretion, their Powerplay overs will automatically commence at the latest available point in the innings (e.g. in a 50 over innings with one unclaimed Powerplay, this will begin at the start of the 36th over).

In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number of Powerplay overs shall be reduced in accordance with the table below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.

Innings Duration	First Powerplay	Fielding Powerplay	Batting Powerplay	Powerplay Total
20 - 21	4	2	2	8
22 - 23	5	2	2	9
24 – 26	5	3	2	10
27 - 28	6	3	2	11
29 – 31	6	3	3	12
32 – 33	7	3	3	13
34 – 36	7	4	3	14
37 – 38	8	4	3	15
39 – 41	8	4	4	16
42 – 43	9	4	4	17
44 – 46	9	5	4	18
47 – 48	10	5	4	19
49	10	5	5	20