Offside is not a rule or term used in cricket. The game does not have an "offside" rule.
While the term "off side" is used in cricket, it refers to a portion of the field, not a rule violation. The cricket field is divided lengthwise into the off side and the leg side (also called the on side), in relation to the batsman's stance.
Cricket Field Divisions
The division of the field depends on whether the batsman is right-handed or left-handed.
- Off Side: This is the side facing the batsman as they prepare to receive the ball.
- Leg Side (On Side): This is the side behind the batsman as they prepare to receive the ball.
For example, for a right-handed batsman, the off side is the right side of the wicket and the leg side is the left side. The opposite is true for a left-handed batsman.
Therefore, the question "What is offside in cricket?" is fundamentally flawed because "offside" does not refer to a rule in cricket. It is solely a descriptive term for a portion of the field.
