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Cricket matches are always played around standard rules and regulations pre-defined by the International Cricket Council (ICC). An innings break gives teams sufficient time to rest and plan ahead. After the end of the first inning, a limited interval of time is required for the match to begin again. The duration of the innings break can be according to the varying match conditions and type of cricket format.
Cricket consumes a lot of energy from players. An innings break is pivotal to get in the momentum while players swap roles and stay charged up. Taking it as a short strategic time out, strategizing the rest of the match is crucial to stay ahead in the game. As the door to the Champions Trophy, 2025 is going to be unlocked, it is important to take note of the situations that may also reverse the match outcomes. Let’s revisit a vital element of cricket matches in the form of innings break time in Cricket laws.
Innings Break Time in ODI and Tests
In an ODI (One Day International) match, when the initial inning ends, the first question which pops up in mind is how long will it take for the teams to be back to the ground. A window of time is allocated for players to be ready for the next half meanwhile the match viewers can get rid of other things to do. The innings break time is different for both ODIs and Tests.
According to the rule book, the innings break time for ODIs is set as 45 minutes. However, the Test innings follow different rules.
The Test match carries more nuances than a limited overs game in terms of innings break time. Since four innings are played in red-ball cricket, the length of time for innings breaks shuffles as per the condition and stage of the match. The innings break in Test format is for 20-40 minutes.
Innings Break Time in Champions Trophy 2025
As Champions Trophy 2025 is going to kickstart, everyone is wondering about the new set of rules. A 50-50 format will be followed in the Champions Trophy. The rules for an Innings break are the same as that of any ODI match. There is no update in the rule for innings break time in Champions Trophy 2025.
| Session | Time (Local) |
|---|---|
| First Session | 14:00 – 17:30 |
| Innings Break | 17:30 – 18:00 |
| Second Session | 18:00 – 21:30 |
T2OI and IPL Innings Break Time
As fast-paced matches are played in T20I and IPL involving 20-20 format, the Innings break time is kept limited to just 10 minutes. The whole T20 match should be completed in almost 3 hours in which a short break can serve as a time to re-energize and strategize the remaining game. In IPL, the batting team has the right to be involved in an optional break for drinks lasting for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Maintaining a rate of slow over in an inning subjects penalty on the team in case the last over is getting delayed. An extra fielder has to stand inside the 30-yard circle reducing one fielder close to the boundary till the last over.
ODI Innings Break Time
Innings break time in the ODI is 45 minutes longer. In specific conditions it may vary depending on the situation but mostly the length of time for the switch between the two teams from fielding to batting and vice-versa.
It is the Umpires’ call to shorten the time period for an innings break after the loss of time getting reported in the first half of an ODI match. Finishing the match on time is the motive.
In time loss scenarios:
- If 60 minutes lost in the first innings results in a 30-minute break.
- If the time lost in the first innings is up to 120 minutes, then the Innings break in ODI is reduced to 20 minutes.
- In case the time lost in the first Innings exceeds 120 minutes, the innings break is reduced to a duration of 10 minutes.
Tests Innings Break Time
The test match has more than two innings, so the innings break duration changes depending on the time and situation of the match.
- If the last wicket falls or a captain declares an innings with 10 or less than 10 minutes remaining for lunch, the innings break will get included in the lunch break. Therefore, players will resume playing after a 40-minute break for both lunch and innings.
- If the last wicket falls or a captain declares an innings with 30 or less than 30 minutes remaining for tea, the innings break will get included in the tea break. Therefore, players will resume playing after a 20-minute break for both tea and innings.
- If the last wicket falls or a captain declares an innings with 10 or less than 10 minutes remaining for the day’s play to get over (Stumps), no further play will be conducted on the given day. The next innings of the Test match will begin from the following day in such a case.
So these are the different Innings break times for different cricket formats.
