T20 World Cup 2024 Rain Rules: What Happens If Weather Interrupts Play In Group Stage & Super 8s?

The T20 World Cup 2024 commenced on Friday, June 1, with the first round group stage. The tournament will progress through the Super 8 and semi-finals, concluding with the final on June 29.

This year's edition is the largest ever, featuring 20 teams. The group stage consists of four groups of five teams each, competing in a single round-robin format. The winners and runners-up from each group will advance to the Super 8.

In the Super 8, the eight teams will be divided into two groups of four. The top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the final.

However, weather conditions could impact the tournament. Match 6 between England and Scotland was already affected by rain in the Caribbean. The T20 World Cup 2024 is being held across nine venues in nine cities in the US and the Caribbean.

In the US, matches will be hosted in Dallas, New York, and Florida. In the Caribbean, games will take place in Tarouba, Bridgetown, North Sound, Providence, Gros Islet, and Kingstown. Weather forecasts indicate a chance of rain during scheduled match days.

There is no reserve day for group stage and Super 8 matches. Only the first semi-final and final have a reserve day. If rain or other conditions delay play, what happens next?

Playing Duration

A T20 World Cup match consists of 20 overs per team and should be completed within 3 hours and 10 minutes. This includes a 20-minute innings break and a mid-innings break.

Additional Time for Delays

If weather or other conditions cause delays, an extra 60 or 90 minutes is available to complete group stage and Super 8 matches. Matches starting at 10:30 AM, 1 PM, or 3 PM local time have an additional 90 minutes. Matches starting at 7:30 PM or 8:30 PM local time have an extra 60 minutes.

Extension Window

If extra time is needed, it will be used first before reducing the innings change interval. This ensures maximum playing time is utilised before any reduction in overs.

Reduction of Overs

If playing time is lost, the number of overs will be revised based on a rate of 14.11 overs per hour. This calculation includes any extra time available.

Minimum Overs for a Result

To achieve a result in group stage and Super 8 matches, a minimum of five overs must be bowled to the team batting second unless a result is achieved earlier. If weather interrupts play during both innings, the Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) method will determine the result.

No Result Scenario

If even a five-over game is not possible within the permitted playing hours including extra time, the match will be considered as no result. Both teams will share a point each in such cases during the group stage and Super 8 stage.