Cricket is a team sport where a match is played between two sides. These sides may represent a nation, a state, a city, or a franchise. Before any tournament or a one-off match, the governing bodies of the two teams announce the players who will represent a side as per the decision of the selection committee.
The term ‘team’ is used in cricket to represent not only the players, but also the support staff, team manager, coaches, physiotherapist, and other members who contribute to the side’s development. Usually, the initial roster of a side consists of 15 players. This is called a 15-member squad. Thus, the terms roster and squad are often used interchangeably. Out of these 15, the players who will actually take to the field for the match is the playing eleven (XI). These players are finalized before the toss of the match. Once announced, the playing XI cannot be changed.
Apart from the playing XI, a team also announces a couple of substitutes depending on the format of the match. These substitute players are also chosen from the 15-member squad. Substitute players are known by various names depending on their role and the regulations of the tournament. For example, an impact player is a substitute exclusive to the Indian Premier League. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a COVID-19 substitute was also announced. Furthermore, a concussion substitute is also a common feature in international cricket. The rules regarding the roles of the substitute varies. However, most often, the substitute, a 12th member of the playing side can only field.
Hence, considering the number of individuals involved, in descending order, a cricket side has a team, roster/squad, and playing eleven.
