Fantasy cricket is a skill game where you pick a virtual team of real players and earn points based on their actual performance in a live match. Below is the four-minute path from signup to your first winning lineup.
Step 1: Sign up
Open the app, enter your mobile number, verify the OTP and complete your profile. KYC is required before withdrawal but not before playing free or paid contests. Expect to spend about two minutes on signup.
Step 2: Pick your XI
Open the upcoming match card and tap "Create Team". You will see the player pool with credit values. Build your XI within the 100-credit salary cap by selecting 11 players:
- 1 wicket-keeper
- 3 to 6 batters
- 1 to 4 all-rounders
- 3 to 6 bowlers
Maximum 4 overseas players, with a minimum of 3 Indian players including one uncapped Indian (in some contest variants).
Step 3: Choose captain and vice-captain
Tap any player in your XI to make them captain (2× points) or vice-captain (1.5× points). Most winning lineups pick their captain from the top-order batting or strike bowler expected to perform on the day.
Step 4: Join a contest
After you save your XI, the app shows the available contests for that match. Pick the size that matches your bankroll:
- Practice — free, no real winnings. Best for learning the scoring system.
- Head-to-head — 2 teams, winner takes 90%.
- Small league — 3 to 50 teams, top 30% paid.
- Mega contest — 10,000+ teams, top 1 – 5% paid.
Points scoring
See our full points system breakdown. Briefly: runs scored, boundaries, sixes and milestones earn batting points; wickets, dots and maidens earn bowling points; catches, run-outs and stumpings earn fielding points. Captaincy multipliers apply on top.
Five rookie mistakes to avoid
- Picking the most popular captain. Consensus captaincy means your edge is small.
- Filling your XI with big names. Salary cap discipline matters more than marquee value.
- Playing matches you have not watched. Pick matches where you have a strong read.
- Ignoring venue profile. Spinners at Chepauk, seamers at Wankhede — venue drives captain selection.
- Forcing a lineup in low-conviction matches. Skipping is better than guessing.
Frequently asked questions
From team selection to joining a contest, expect 5-15 minutes. The match itself takes 3-4 hours including innings breaks.
No. Once the first ball is bowled, your XI is locked. Make all swaps before toss.
Yes. Many contests allow multiple entries with separate XIs.
Filed by IPL Live Fantasy editorial desk · Updated 20 July 2026.