Powerplay is a term used in limited-overs cricket to describe a set of overs with special fielding rules. During a powerplay, only a limited number of fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, which makes it easier for the batting team to score runs). The powerplay rule was first introduced in the 1980-81 Australian season, and it has been a rule in ODI cricket since 1992. The International Cricket Council renamed it as Powerplay in 2005).

The powerplay nomenclature was introduced by the International Cricket Council in 2005, when the fielding restrictions were split into three blocks: the mandatory ten overs at the start of the innings and two further five-over powerplays with the bowling team being able to choose the timing of both. In practice though, both were generally taken as soon as possible, effectively leading to a single block of 20 overs of fielding restrictions).

The powerplay overs help the batting side generate crucial momentum needed to put a winning total on board or chase it down, making it an action-packed segment that is sure to produce excitement and drama one way or the other. The powerplay is a period during a cricket match when certain restrictions on field placements are lifted, allowing the batting team to score more runs.

In T20 cricket, the powerplay is the first six overs of the innings, while in ODI cricket, the first ten overs of the innings are considered as the powerplay. There are no powerplay rules in Test cricket. In The Hundred, a new format of cricket, a 25-ball powerplay is given to each team at the start of their batting innings, and during the powerplay, only two fielders are allowed outside of the fielding circle.