Home / Fantasy
Fantasy Cricket Guides for Indian Fans
Everything you need to play fantasy cricket well in 2026 — how it works, how points are scored, how to pick a captain, and which free fantasy apps to use now.
Beginner friendly · Free-to-play focus · Updated October 2026
Popular fantasy guides
Best Free Fantasy Apps in India
Dream11, My11Circle, MPL and Howzat compared after the 2025 Online Gaming Act.
What Is Fantasy Cricket?
How fantasy cricket works, from picking a match to scoring points.
Fantasy Points System Explained
Typical points for runs, wickets, catches and bonuses.
Captain & Vice-Captain Tips
How to choose the players who multiply your points.
Fantasy Cricket vs Betting
The key differences between fantasy contests and cricket betting.
Best Cricket Betting Apps
Our tested rankings of cricket betting apps and ID providers.
What is fantasy cricket?
Fantasy cricket is a game where you build a virtual team of real cricketers playing in an upcoming match. As the real match is played, your players earn points for what they do on the field — runs, boundaries, wickets, catches, run-outs and more.
The better your players perform, the higher your team’s score. You compete against other players on a leaderboard, so knowing the pitch, the conditions and current form really pays off.
Since the Online Gaming Act, 2025, major Indian fantasy apps run free-to-play contests, so you can enjoy fantasy cricket without paying entry fees.
Select a match
Pick an upcoming IPL, international or league fixture in the app.
Create your 11
Pick batters, bowlers, all-rounders and a wicket-keeper within the credit budget.
Choose captain & vice-captain
Captains usually earn 2× points and vice-captains 1.5×.
Join a contest & follow live
Watch your points update ball by ball as the match is played.
Typical fantasy points system
Exact points differ between apps and formats (T20, ODI, Test). This table shows typical T20 values to help you understand how scoring works.
| Action | Typical points (T20) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Run scored | +1 per run | Top-order batters get the most chances to score |
| Boundary / six bonus | +1 / +2 | Power hitters can score fast in a short innings |
| Half-century / century | +8 / +16 | Milestone bonuses reward big innings |
| Wicket (not run-out) | +25 | Wicket-taking bowlers are big point earners |
| 3 / 4 / 5 wicket haul | Extra bonus | Strike bowlers can win a contest on their own |
| Catch | +8 | Good fielders add steady points |
| Stumping / run-out | +12 / +6–12 | Wicket-keepers earn extra from stumpings |
| Duck (batter out for 0) | −2 | Avoid out-of-form top-order batters |
| Captain / vice-captain | 2× / 1.5× points | Your most important decision every match |
Illustrative values only — always check the points table inside the app you play.
7 fantasy cricket tips that actually work
Wait for the toss
Final playing XIs are confirmed at the toss. Editing your team after it avoids picking players who don’t play.
Read the pitch
Flat, small grounds favour batters; slow, turning pitches favour spinners. Pick your balance to match.
Captain in-form players
Your captain’s points are doubled — choose a consistent top-order batter or an all-rounder who bats and bowls.
Value all-rounders
They can score with both bat and ball, giving you two ways to earn points from one pick.
Back openers and death bowlers
Openers face the most balls; death-over bowlers get chances at wickets as batters attack.
Make different teams
If the app allows multiple teams, vary your captain picks to spread your chances.
Learn from every match
Compare your team with the leaderboard winners to see which picks you missed.
Fantasy cricket vs cricket betting
| Fantasy cricket | Cricket betting | |
|---|---|---|
| What you do | Build a team of real players | Stake money on match outcomes or markets |
| How you score | Points from player performances | Win or lose based on the result of your bet |
| Money involved | Major Indian apps now free-to-play | Real money deposits and withdrawals |
| Skill focus | Player form, conditions, team balance | Odds, markets and bankroll management |
| Legal position in India | Free formats offered by major apps | Varies by state; online money games restricted by the 2025 Act |
For information only — not legal advice. Check the rules in your state.
Fantasy cricket FAQs
Is fantasy cricket legal in India in 2026?
The Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans online money games. Major apps such as Dream11 have moved to free-to-play fantasy formats, which they continue to offer. Always check an app’s current terms.
How many players are in a fantasy cricket team?
Usually 11 players, chosen within a credit budget, with a minimum and maximum number of batters, bowlers, all-rounders and wicket-keepers. Most apps also limit how many players you can pick from one real team.
Who should I make captain?
Pick a consistent, in-form player who is likely to bat high or bowl key overs — often an opening batter or a genuine all-rounder — because captains usually earn double points.
Which is the best free fantasy app?
See our best free fantasy apps guide for an up-to-date comparison.
Ready to play fantasy cricket for free?
Compare the best free fantasy apps in India and pick the one that suits the way you follow cricket.
18+ only. For information only — not legal or financial advice. Play responsibly.