The lock is the moment a squad becomes final. Everything before it is editable and free; everything after it is a result you watch. Most costly mistakes in fantasy cricket happen in the ten minutes either side of that line, usually because of a misunderstanding about when it falls.
When the lock actually happens
- The lock is tied to the scheduled start, not to the broadcast or to a countdown you remember from a previous match.
- A delay moves the lock with it. A rain-affected start reopens editing, which is the one genuinely free opportunity in the whole process.
- The app clock governs. If the clock in the contest screen says the window is open, it is open.
- Each contest shows its own deadline. Entering late into a different contest does not extend a squad already locked elsewhere.
People miss contests they could still have entered because they assume a delayed match has already started. Check the app rather than the schedule you had in your head.
The last ten minutes, in order
- Re-read the eleven. Remove anyone who is not in it, however reluctantly.
- Spend any freed credits on a defined role rather than the first available name.
- Confirm the captain and vice-captain now that the toss is known.
- Check that the contest you are entering still has spots and still suits the squad.
- Confirm, then leave it. Watching a live rank changes nothing.
Set a reminder for ten minutes before the next fixture starts and run the list above.
Join ₹1 Contest Now Download Hero11 APKAfter the lock
A squad is fixed even if a player is withdrawn between the lock and the first ball. That is harsh and it is also the rule, which is the argument for doing the final check late rather than early. If a match is abandoned entirely, the contest card states what happens; usually entries are returned.
Then comes the part most people skip: reviewing what actually happened.
Can I edit after joining a contest?
Yes, until the lock for that fixture. After the lock the squad and the captain nomination are fixed.
What if the match is delayed?
The lock moves with the start, so editing reopens. Check the app rather than assuming the original time applies.
What if a player is withdrawn after the lock?
He scores nothing and the squad cannot be changed. This is why the final check is best done as late as the window allows.
What happens if the match is abandoned?
The contest card states the rule for that fixture before you join; entries are usually returned.