In cricket, an innings break is a short pause between two innings that allows players to rest, refresh, and prepare for the next part of the game. It is an important time for strategizing and regrouping, whether in international matches or leagues like the IPL.
The innings break time depends on the format of the match. In ODIs, T20s, Test matches, and IPL games, each format has its own standard break time, which we will explain in detail below.
Why Innings Breaks Are Important in Cricket
Innings breaks play a vital role in cricket as they give players time to rest and recover between innings. Cricket can be physically and mentally demanding, so these breaks help players regain energy, refocus, and plan strategies for the next part of the game.
Apart from benefiting players, innings breaks also allow teams to discuss tactics, change field positions, and make adjustments based on the first innings performance. For fans, it is a short pause to enjoy the game, grab refreshments, or catch up on match analysis.
ODI Innings Break Time: Duration and Rules
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the innings break is usually 30 to 40 minutes long. This break gives players time to rest, hydrate, and discuss strategies for the next innings.
During this period, teams can also make any necessary changes to their fielding setup or batting order based on the first innings performance.
The rules for the ODI innings break are set by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Umpires ensure that the break starts immediately after the first innings ends and that teams return on time to maintain the match schedule.
T20 Innings Break Time: Duration and Rules
- According to the playing conditions for men’s T20 matches (senior and junior, domestic and international), there shall be a 20 minute interval between innings — measured from the call of “Time” before the break until the call of “Play” for the second innings.
- However, if there is a delay or interruption before the break (for example due to weather or overs reduction), the match referee may reduce this interval, provided it does not go below a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Example: In the playing conditions document it states: “11.2.1 There shall be a 20 minute interval between innings…” and 11.4.2 allows discretion to reduce the interval to not less than 10 minutes.
Innings Break Time in Test Matches: Duration and Rules
| Interval Type | Standard Duration | Key Notes |
| Lunch interval | 40 minutes | Taken mid‑day; may be adjusted. |
| Tea interval | 20 minutes | Afternoon break; 9th wicket rules apply. |
| Interval between innings | 10 minutes | After one innings ends and before the next begins. |
| Combined lunch & tea | 60 minutes (total) | Can be split differently if agreed with ICC. |
In a standard Test match (as governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) playing conditions) there are three main types of scheduled intervals:
- A lunch interval of 40 minutes.
- A tea interval of 20 minutes.
- An interval between innings (when one team’s innings ends and the next begins) of 10 minutes.
These durations apply from the call of “Time” (when play is officially paused) until the call of “Play” (when the next session/innings starts).
Detailed Rules and Conditions
- The lunch and tea intervals are listed specifically in Clause 11.2.1 of the ICC Test playing conditions:
- Lunch: “The interval shall be of 40 minutes duration.”
- Tea: “The interval shall be of 20 minutes duration.”
- There is also a provision that home boards with agreement may alter durations, provided the combined scheduled duration of the two (lunch + tea) remains 60 minutes.
- The 10‑minute interval between innings (Clause 11.2.2) is the standard period from one innings finishing to the next beginning in a Test.
- If an innings ends right before a scheduled meal interval, special rules apply:
- If the innings ends with 10 minutes or less remaining before the lunch interval, the lunch interval is taken immediately.
- If an innings ends with 30 minutes or less before the scheduled tea interval, the tea interval takes place immediately and incorporates the 10‑minute innings break.
- The intervals can be changed (delayed or brought forward) if playing time is lost due to weather, bad light or other exceptional circumstances, provided both umpires and both captains agree.
- There are also drinks intervals permitted (usually one per session) and they shall be kept as short as possible and “not exceed 4 minutes” in certain conditions.
IPL Innings Break Time: Duration and Rules
| Scenario | Interval Between Innings | Notes |
| Standard, uninterrupted match | 20 minutes | From “Time” call to “Play” call. |
| First innings finishes early (before scheduled) | 20 minutes (may start earlier) | Interval may begin sooner. |
| First innings over‑ran scheduled time | Less than 20 minutes | Interval reduced by the over‑run time. |
| Matches with delay/interruption before first innings ends | 10 minutes minimum | Referee discretion. |
- According to the IPL’s official Match Playing Conditions:
- “There shall be a 20‑minute interval between innings, taken from the call of Time before the interval until the call of Play on resumption after the interval.”
- If the first‑innings team finishes much earlier than the scheduled time, the interval may be brought forward (so the second innings starts earlier) — the interval in that scenario is still the same 20 minutes unless shortened.
- There is a minimum interval threshold: The rules allow reduction of the interval from the standard 20 minutes down to not less than 15 minutes in the case of an uninterrupted match where the first innings finished early.
- In cases of lengthy delay or interruption before the completion of the first innings, the IPL Match Referee may at their discretion reduce that interval even further — but not below 10 minutes.
Key Rules & Conditions
- The “interval between innings” is officially classified as one of the scheduled breaks (intervals) in the IPL playing conditions, along with time‑outs and any other agreed intervals.
- If the first innings ends before a scheduled interval time, then the second innings may begin right away. For example: if the first innings completes before the scheduled interval time the umpires will move directly into the interval and start the second innings accordingly.
- If the fielding team (in first innings) has not completed their allotted overs by the scheduled cessation time for that innings, then the length of the interval will be reduced by the amount of time the innings over‑ran. E.g., if they took extra time, the break may be shortened accordingly.
- In a delayed or interrupted match scenario, due to weather or other stoppage, the Match Referee has the discretion to reduce the interval between innings from 20 minutes to not less than 10 minutes.
Why It Matters
- The 20‑minute interval helps teams regroup between innings, change tactics, and players refresh.
- It also gives broadcast partners and stadium operations time to prepare for the next innings — re‑lighting, ground prep, etc.
- Having a minimum allowed interval ensures that in cases where time is “lost” (due to slow over‑rate or delays) the match schedule is kept under control and doesn’t drag unduly long.
- Ensuring that the interval doesn’t drop below minimum (10 or 15 minutes) preserves fairness: the batting second team isn’t disadvantaged by too short a break, and the first innings team doesn’t get an excessive rest if things are delayed.
Interesting Facts About Innings Breaks in Cricket
Innings breaks in cricket are more than just a pause between innings—they are full of interesting facts that many fans may not know. For example, the duration of breaks varies widely depending on the format: from just 15–20 minutes in T20s and IPL matches to 40 minutes for lunch in Test matches. These breaks give players a chance to rest, recover, and strategize for the next innings.
Some breaks are also filled with entertainment and activities, especially in leagues like the IPL. Fans can enjoy short shows, replays, or advertisements during the interval. Additionally, breaks allow teams to adjust tactics based on the first innings performance, making them a critical part of the game’s strategy.
Final Words
Innings breaks are a small but important part of cricket. They give players a chance to rest, refocus, and plan for the next innings. From the 10-minute breaks in Test matches to the 15–20 minutes in T20 and IPL games, each format has its own timing. Knowing these intervals helps fans understand the flow of the game and appreciate the strategy behind every innings.
FAQs About Innings Break Time in Cricket
1. How long is the innings break in an ODI?
The standard ODI innings break lasts 30–40 minutes, giving players time to rest and strategize for the next innings.
2. How long is the innings break in T20 matches?
In T20s, the innings break is usually 15–20 minutes, shorter than ODIs to keep the game fast-paced.
3. What is the innings break time in Test matches?
Test matches have multiple breaks: lunch (40 minutes), tea (20 minutes), and 10 minutes between innings.
4. How long is the IPL innings break?
In the IPL, the standard innings break is 20 minutes, with a minimum of 15 minutes in some situations, depending on match conditions.
5. Why do innings breaks vary across formats?
Breaks differ to suit the game format: T20 and IPL are shorter and fast-paced, ODIs are moderate, and Test matches are longer to allow player recovery and strategic planning.
6. Can the innings break time be reduced or extended?
Yes, match referees or umpires can adjust the break due to delays, interruptions, or special match conditions, but minimum times are maintained for fairness.
