The moment the rain starts
When rain begins, the on-field umpires consult and either call a drinks-style pause or pull the players off. Ground staff push large covers — typically a centre square cover plus 'flat' covers either side — over the pitch and bowler's run-ups. The aim is to protect the playing surface so a resumption is possible.
Once the rain stops, the umpires inspect the outfield. They look for standing water, soft patches near the popping creases, and whether the bowler's footholds will hold up. Only then is a restart time set.
What changes by format
Test cricket
Tests have five days and no over limit, so short stoppages just shorten the day. A heavily rained-out match often ends in a draw — neither team wins or loses.
ODIs
If overs are lost, the umpires reduce the innings. A minimum of 20 overs per side must be possible for a result. DLS resets the target if needed.
T20Is
A minimum of 5 overs per side must be bowled to constitute a match. Below that, the game is abandoned.
Knockouts
World Cup semis, finals and most domestic finals carry a reserve day. League fixtures usually don't — they're abandoned and points shared.
The DLS connection
When overs are lost in a limited-overs match, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method recalculates the target so neither side is unfairly advantaged. The TV scoreboard shows a live 'par score' the chasing team must stay ahead of.
If a match has to be called off mid-chase, the team ahead of par at the last completed over wins. If the minimum overs haven't been bowled, the result is 'no result' and points are shared.
Why grounds invest in drainage
Modern Test venues — the Rose Bowl, Adelaide Oval, Eden Gardens — pour millions into sub-soil drainage and 'super-sopper' machines that can dry an outfield in 20 minutes. The faster a ground can resume, the more cricket fans actually get to watch.
Frequently asked
Do players still get paid if it rains?+
Yes — match fees are paid regardless of whether a result is reached.
Can a match restart the next day if it rains?+
Only Tests and matches with an official reserve day. Standard ODIs and T20s are abandoned.
What's the cut-off time?+
Umpires use a 'cut-off time' calculated to ensure the minimum required overs can still be bowled. Past that, the match is called.
Why don't they just play through light rain?+
Wet ball, slippery footholds and visibility risks. Player safety is the umpires' priority.