The Complete Guide to Fantasy Cricket – How to Play, Points System, and Legal Guide!

By: | June 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
The Complete Guide to Fantasy Cricket – How to Play, Points System, and Legal Guide!

Fantasy cricket has introduced a new, interactive way for Indian audiences to experience the game. It lets you create your own team, earn points based on real matches, and even win prizes. With platforms like Gamesys11, it’s easier than ever to get started. This guide explains how it works, how points are scored, legal considerations, and strategies for success.

What is Fantasy Cricket? - Its History, Evolution, and Popularity in India

Fantasy cricket lets fans build their own teams using real players from upcoming matches. As the match unfolds, those players earn points based on how they actually perform on the field.

How Does Fantasy Cricket Work?

  • You select 11 players from an upcoming real-life match, sticking to a budget cap.
  • Points are awarded based on each player’s performance during the live game.
  • Rankings are determined by the total points earned by your team in the fantasy cricket contest.
  • Enter competitions or set up your own leagues to compete with friends.
  • Leading scorers may earn rewards such as cash, vouchers, or simply the thrill of winning.

Brief History and Development

  • 1999–2000: ESPN-Star Sports introduced Super Selector, a web-based game where fans could build teams during international fixtures.
  • 2008 Onwards: The I.P.L’s arrival introduced daily T20 matches, creating a perfect playground for fantasy leagues.
  • 2012: D11 introduced a freemium model, changing fantasy cricket into a competitive, skill-based game.
  • 2017–2020: More platforms launched with mobile-first features, reaching users across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
  • 2021 Supreme Court Ruling: The court confirmed that fantasy sports are games of skill, not gambling, making fantasy cricket legal in India.
  • By 2023: India had over 180 million fantasy users, with cricket-based games making up a vast majority.

Why Is Fantasy Cricket So Popular in India?

Several developments have driven the growing appeal of fantasy cricket throughout India:

  • Cricket remains India’s most-followed sport. Fantasy platforms allowed fans to get involved beyond just watching.
  • With smartphones becoming cheaper and data more affordable, fantasy cricket quickly reached fans everywhere.
  • The introduction of cash prizes added a new level of competition to the game.
  • Competing with friends and colleagues added a social layer, making each match more engaging.
  • Public support from top players gave users more confidence in the legitimacy of fantasy cricket platforms.

Is Fantasy Cricket Legal in India?

Is fantasy cricket legal in India? For most users, yes – it’s allowed. The courts have said that picking a fantasy team isn’t just guesswork. You need to follow matches, understand player form, and make informed choices.

In 2021, the Supreme Court backed this view. They said if you’re using your knowledge to play, not relying on pure chance, then it’s legal under the Constitution. Still, rules can vary depending on which state you’re in, so it’s always good to check.

Since gaming laws vary by state, some regions have restrictions in place. India does not currently have a unified national policy for online games like fantasy sports. The following states currently do not permit participation in fantasy cricket platforms:

  • Telangana
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Assam
  • Odisha
  • Nagaland
  • Sikkim
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Meghalaya
  • Tamil Nadu

In these states, fantasy cricket may be banned or restricted.

Is Fantasy Cricket Gambling?

Indian courts classify fantasy cricket as a game of skill rather than gambling. Success relies on how well you assess form, matchups, and playing conditions, not just chance. This includes:

  • Reviewing player performance, pitch reports, and match data
  • Balancing budgets while selecting players
  • Making calculated captain and vice-captain choices
  • Tracking injury updates and recent team news

Because these actions involve significant user skill, the courts have ruled that fantasy cricket does not fall under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits games of chance but not skill-based games.

How to Play Fantasy Cricket?

Fantasy cricket on Gamesys11 is designed to give fans a more interactive way to follow the sport. Follow these steps to begin playing.

1. Select the Gamesys11 Platform, Download & Register

  • Visit the Gamesys11 website to access the official platform.
  • Download the Gamesys11 Fantasy app on your Android or iOS device.
  • Create your account by entering a mobile number or email.
  • Complete your profile and verify your account through the one-time password (OTP) sent to your number or email.

2. Select a Match

  • Browse through the list of upcoming domestic and international cricket matches.
  • Select a match that interests you and start building your team for that fixture.

Gamesys11 offers fantasy contests across multiple formats, including T20s, ODIs, Tests, and franchise leagues, giving you flexibility in how you play.

3. Create Your Team

  • You’ll be given a fixed credit budget to assemble your team.
  • Build your team by selecting 11 players from both sides, ensuring a balanced lineup of bowlers, batters, all-rounders, and one wicketkeeper.
  • Make sure you comply with the team composition rules, such as a maximum number of players from one side.

Gamesys11 provides real-time player stats, recent form, and match insights to help guide your selections.

4. Choose Your Captain and Vice-Captain

  • Your Captain earns 2x points.
  • Your Vice-Captain earns 1.5x points.

Choose players likely to have the biggest impact: high scorers, wicket-takers, or consistent performers. Gamesys11 displays useful indicators for player reliability and popularity.

5. Join a Contest

  • Explore a range of contests: free entry contests and high-stakes cash leagues.
  • You can also create or join private contests to compete with friends, colleagues, or your fantasy cricket community.
  • Entry fees and prize pools are clearly displayed so you can choose based on your budget and competition level.

6. Monitor the Match and Your Team’s Performance

  • Access your Gamesys11 account to follow live match updates and score changes.
  • Your fantasy points are calculated based on player performance in the live match, including runs, wickets, catches, strike rate, and more.
  • Monitor your standing on the leaderboard as points update throughout the game.

How Does Fantasy Cricket Work?

Fantasy cricket is an interactive online format where users assemble teams using real-world cricket players. The team’s score depends on how those players perform in ongoing matches.

Team Selection

  • Squad Formation: Players select a team of 11 cricketers from the two competing teams in a real match.
  • Budget Constraints: Each player is assigned a credit value, and the total value of the selected team must not exceed the given credit limit.
  • Player Categories: Teams must include a specified number of batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders, and wicketkeepers, adhering to the platform’s composition rules.

Point System

Points are awarded based on players’ real-life performances. While the exact scoring can vary across platforms, common criteria include:

Batting:

  • Runs scored: 1 point per run
  • Boundary bonus: Additional points for hitting fours and sixes
  • Milestone bonuses: Extra points for scoring 30, 50, 75, or 100 runs
  • Strike rate: Bonus or penalty points based on the scoring rate
  • Dismissal for a duck: Negative points for getting out without scoring

Bowling:

  • Wickets taken: Points awarded per wicket
  • Maiden overs: Bonus points for bowling a maiden over
  • Economy rate: Bonus or penalty points based on runs conceded per over
  • Wicket milestones: Additional points for taking 3, 4, or 5 wickets in a match

Fielding:

  • Catches: Points for each catch taken
  • Stumpings and run-outs: Points awarded for effecting dismissals

Participation:

  • Playing in the match: Points awarded for being part of the starting XI

Captain & Vice-Captain

Selecting the right captain and vice-captain is crucial, as their performance significantly impacts the team’s total points.

  • Captain: Earns double (2x) the points scored in the match.
  • Vice-Captain: Earns 1.5 times the points scored.

Strategically choosing players in form or those expected to perform well increases the chances of scoring higher points.

Contests

Participants can join various types of contests:

  • Free Contests: No entry fee; ideal for beginners to practise and understand the game.
  • Cash Contests: Require an entry fee; offer cash prizes to top performers.
  • Private Contests: Customisable contests where users can invite friends and set specific rules.
  • Mega Contests: Large-scale contests with substantial prize pools and numerous participants.

Leaderboard

Rankings on the leaderboard reflect how many points each participant’s team has earned during the contest.

  • Real-Time Updates: Points and rankings are updated live as the match progresses.
  • Performance Tracking: Users can monitor their position relative to other participants.
  • Strategic Insights: Analysing leaderboard trends can help in refining future team selections.

Prizes

Rewards differ based on the contest format you choose.

  • Cash Rewards: Monetary prizes awarded to top-ranking participants in cash contests.
  • Merchandise: Some contests offer cricket merchandise or other goods as prizes.
  • Coupons and Vouchers: Discounts or vouchers for various services or products.
  • Bragging Rights: In private contests, winning can earn participants recognition among peers.

Advantages & Benefits of Fantasy Cricket

Fantasy cricket offers more than just a game; it provides an immersive experience that combines strategy, knowledge, and community engagement. Here are the advantages & benefits of fantasy cricket:

Cricket Knowledge & Skill Enhancement

The more you play fantasy cricket, the more you start to understand the finer details of the game. It encourages you to:

  • Pay closer attention to line-ups, pitch reports, and recent player form.
  • Study performances across different formats to spot reliable picks.
  • Use stats and match context to make smarter, well-rounded decisions.

With time, this habit builds both your cricketing knowledge and your ability to make strategic fantasy calls.

Social Interaction & Community Building

Playing fantasy cricket helps build connections through:

  • Play in small leagues with people you know.
  • Talk cricket, argue over picks, laugh at bad calls.
  • Some even hang out in fan groups just to swap thoughts.

Entertainment with Earning

Beyond the thrill of the game, fantasy cricket offers:

  • You can win some money if your picks go right.
  • It’s a fun way to see if you actually know the game or just think you do.
  • Watching gets a lot more intense when your team’s points are tied to every ball.

Accessibility & Convenience

Fantasy cricket platforms like Gamesys11 ensure:

  • User-friendly interfaces are accessible via smartphones and computers.
  • 24/7 availability, allowing players to participate at their convenience.
  • Regular updates and notifications to keep players informed about matches and player performances.

Get to Follow Other Teams

Fantasy cricket encourages you to look beyond just your home team. As you play more, you’ll find yourself:

  • Noticing how top players and experts build their squads for different formats.
  • Understanding how players perform in various roles across different teams.
  • Picking up ideas by studying high-performing teams and the logic behind their selections.

It’s a great way to expand your perspective and improve your own strategy through observation and comparison.

Learn How to Manage & Invest Money

For many users, fantasy cricket is a chance to learn how to think financially. As you play regularly, you begin to:

  • Spread your entry fees across contests based on risk and reward, rather than going all-in on a single match.
  • Evaluate which contests offer better returns and adjust your spending accordingly.
  • Treat each team selection like a mini investment, choosing where to take risks and where to play it safe.

Over time, this develops a stronger sense of budgeting, planning, and smart decision-making skills that carry over beyond the game.

Disadvantages of Fantasy Cricket

Fantasy cricket isn’t just fun—it also comes with a few things to watch out for. Knowing the disadvantages of fantasy cricket can help you enjoy the game without overdoing it.

Habit Forming

Fantasy cricket can be addictive. Checking scores, changing teams, and entering contests can take up more time than you realise. Set limits so it doesn’t affect your daily routine.

Financial Risk

Fantasy cricket involves financial risk. Play responsibly and don’t over-invest. Keep track of how much you spend and win. Review your performance and adjust if needed.

Complexity for Beginners

If you’re new, things like team selection and the points system might seem confusing. But with a few games, you’ll get the hang of it.

Luck & Player Dependent

Even with good planning, things like injuries or unexpected performances can affect your team. Skill matters, but luck plays a part too.

Misleading Information

Avoid basing decisions on random tips or unverified sources. Wrong advice can hurt your points and chances of winning.

Privacy Concerns

Fantasy apps ask for personal and payment details. Make sure you’re using a trusted platform that keeps your data safe and tells you how it’s being used.

Fantasy Cricket Do’s & Don’ts

To succeed in fantasy cricket, it takes planning, awareness, and smart decision-making. Following a few practical fantasy cricket do’s & don’ts can help you make the most of every fantasy cricket contest.

Do’s

1. Study Player Performance Thoroughly

  • Take into account recent performances, the quality of the opposing team, and a player’s overall reliability.

2. Play Practice Contests Before Investing in Paid Contests

  • Use free entry contests on platforms like Gamesys11 to learn the basics.

3. Prefer Selecting All-Rounders in the Team

  • A well-balanced team improves overall performance in most fantasy cricket sports

4. Create Multiple Teams

  • Experiment with varying strategies, some based on current form and others on match-ups.

5. Understand the Points System Thoroughly

  • Know how the fantasy cricket points system differs between platforms and how points are awarded for runs, wickets, catches, and strike rates.

6. Invest Money in Multiple Contests

  • Smart allocation across contests helps you manage returns better, especially if you’re looking at how fantasy cricket is good for you.

7. Play Responsibly

  • Responsible play ensures the game remains enjoyable and doesn’t become a burden.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Select Players Based on Emotions

  • Base your decisions on performance trends, role in the lineup, and pitch conditions.

2. Don’t Ignore the Toss Decision

  • Adjust your selections (if permitted by the platform) after toss updates to improve your edge in the fantasy cricket contest.

3. Don’t Ignore Pitch & Weather Reports

  • In short formats, these factors can change the entire outcome of a fantasy cricket league.

4. Don’t Invest All Money in a Single Contest

Distribute across multiple matches to reduce risk and build consistency.

What is Fantasy Cricket Contest?

In a fantasy cricket contest, participants submit their chosen teams to compete for points and rankings. Teams earn points based on live match performance, and rankings determine who wins prizes.

Types of Fantasy Cricket Contests

  • Head-to-Head: Two players compete, and the winner takes all
  • Small Contests: Fewer participants, higher chances
  • Mega Contests: Thousands of entries, larger prize pools
  • Private Contests: Invite-only leagues with custom rules

How Does Fantasy Cricket League Work?

fantasy cricket league lets fans take an active role in the game. Instead of just watching, you build your own team and compete based on how real players perform in live matches. Here’s how it works.

Creating Teams

  • Start by selecting an upcoming match.
  • Pick 11 players from both teams within a fixed credit budget.
  • Ensure your team has a balanced mix of batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders, and a wicketkeeper.
  • Choose your Captain and Vice-Captain carefully, as they earn 2x and 1.5x points, respectively.

Points System

  • Your selected players score points according to how they perform during the live match.
  • Contributions like scoring runs, taking wickets, holding catches, and maintaining strong strike or economy rates all count toward your total.
  • Each platform has its own fantasy cricket points system, so it’s important to review the rules before you play.
  • Knowing the scoring system helps you build a team that scores across multiple areas.

Competition & Prizes

  • Once your team is set, enter a contest to start competing.
  • Some contests are free to enter, while others have paid entry with cash prizes.
  • There are contests for all levels, from small head-to-heads to large public leagues with thousands of participants.

Strategy & Knowledge

  • Doing well in fantasy cricket comes down to your grasp of the sport and its finer details.
  • Research matters. Factors like player form, pitch reports, weather, and toss decisions all influence outcomes.
  • Making smart, well-researched decisions leads to stronger outcomes.

Leagues & Platforms

  • Participate in open leagues or set up custom competitions to play with friends.
  • Platforms like Gamesys11 offer a variety of fantasy cricket leagues to suit different interests.
  • Whether you want to play casually or competitively, there’s something for everyone.

How Fantasy Cricket Has Increased Fan Engagement?

Fantasy cricket has transformed how audiences experience and follow the game. Fans are no longer just viewers.

  • People now follow every over and every player, not just their favourite team.
  • Interest has expanded to all formats and countries, as users track their fantasy picks across matches.
  • Private contests have made the experience more social, with fans comparing results and challenging friends.
  • With real-time point updates, fans are more involved throughout the match.

How is Fantasy Cricket Good for You?

Playing fantasy cricket offers more than just fun. It can be a useful and rewarding activity when approached responsibly.

  • It sharpens your ability to make informed decisions using stats and logic.
  • Watching cricket becomes more exciting when your team is part of the action.
  • You connect with others through group contests and shared discussions.
  • Managing credits, building teams, and entering contests teach risk and budget awareness.

Conclusion

Fantasy cricket has become much more than a casual pastime. For many fans, it’s now a key part of how they experience the sport. It brings a new level of involvement, encouraging users to think like team managers, follow match-ups closely, and test their knowledge against others.

As more platforms such as Gamesys11 offer secure, user-friendly experiences and the format continues to gain legal backing, it’s clear that fantasy cricket is here to stay.

Download the Gamesys11 app today!

FAQs

Fantasy cricket is beginner-friendly. You can start with free contests to understand team selection and the fantasy cricket points system. As you follow more matches, you’ll improve your strategy and enjoy the game more.

Yes, fantasy cricket is legal and safe in most Indian states. It is classified as a game of skill, not gambling, by the Supreme Court. However, states like Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim currently restrict paid contests. Always check your local laws before playing.

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