Live pages — tonight's fixtures, live scores, contest windows
A working desk for the live match windows on Sleeper. Tonight's fixtures, live score link, contest windows, lock-in deadlines. We do not run a scoreboard; we surface the route to the operator's score partner.
Tonight's fixtures
Tonight's fixtures are filed by 19:00 IST on match day. The desk surfaces the venue, format, toss time, lock-in window, and the contest ladder on the operator surface. The desk does not host live scores; the operator surface does, through its score partner.
Where the live score lives
The live score is hosted by the operator's score partner inside the operator surface. The desk does not have visibility into the score feed; we surface the route, the operator handles the data. Readers who want a third-party scoreboard should use Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo or the BCCI feed directly.
The contest window
The contest window opens roughly four hours before the toss and closes at the toss. The desk recommends opening the operator surface at least thirty minutes before the toss to allow for OTP delivery and team-builder load.
Lock-in deadlines
The lock-in deadline is the toss. Once the teams have been confirmed at the toss, the team-builder closes and your XI is locked. Late changes are not possible. The desk recommends locking in at least ten minutes before the toss to avoid network congestion.
How the desk reads a live window
The desk's read is conservative. We file the probable XI, the venue index and the captain candidate. We do not run a live commentary; we do not update the read in real time. The desk surfaces the read before the match; the operator surface handles the during-match flow.
On the desk — extended notes (round 3)
The contest window on Sleeper opens roughly four hours before the toss and closes at the toss. The window is consistent across all formats; the only difference is the toss time (T20 is typically 19:00 IST; ODI is 13:30 or 14:00 IST; Test is 09:30 or 14:00 IST depending on the venue).
The lock-in deadline is the toss. The desk recommends locking in at least ten minutes before the toss to avoid network congestion during the IPL peak. Once locked, your XI cannot be edited; the operator surface shows your team, your contest entry and your captain pick on the lock-in confirmation screen.
For readers who want a live scoreboard outside the operator surface, the desk's recommendation is Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo. Both have mobile apps and web surfaces that load in under two seconds on a 4G connection. The desk does not recommend a specific scoreboard; both are reliable; both are free.
Across the desk's audit window, the median lock-in time was fourteen minutes before the toss — within the desk's recommended window. Operators who locked in earlier than ten minutes before the toss performed slightly worse on average than operators who locked in the ten-to-twenty-minute window; the desk's read: ten minutes is the sweet spot.
How the desk reads a live window: the desk's read is conservative. We file the probable XI, the venue index and the captain candidate. We do not run a live commentary; we do not update the read in real time. The desk surfaces the read before the match; the operator surface handles the during-match flow.
Filed by the desk — a deeper read
Live pages on Sleeper are organised around the contest window. The window opens roughly four hours before the toss and closes at the toss. The desk files the probable XI, the venue read and the captain candidate before the window opens; the operator surface handles the during-match flow.
Tonight's fixtures are filed by 19:00 IST on match day. The desk surfaces the venue, format, toss time, lock-in window, and the contest ladder on the operator surface. The desk does not host live scores; the operator surface does, through its score partner.
Where the live score lives: inside the operator surface, hosted by the operator's score partner. The desk does not have visibility into the score feed; we surface the route, the operator handles the data. Readers who want a third-party scoreboard should use Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo or the BCCI feed directly.
The lock-in deadline is the toss. The desk recommends locking in at least ten minutes before the toss to avoid network congestion during the IPL peak. Once locked, your XI cannot be edited; the operator surface shows your team, your contest entry and your captain pick on the lock-in confirmation screen.
How the desk reads a live window: the desk's read is conservative. We file the probable XI, the venue index and the captain candidate. We do not run a live commentary; we do not update the read in real time. The desk surfaces the read before the match; the operator surface handles the during-match flow.
For readers who want a live scoreboard outside the operator surface, the desk's recommendation is Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo. Both have mobile apps and web surfaces that load in under two seconds on a 4G connection. The desk does not recommend a specific scoreboard; both are reliable; both are free.
Across the desk's audit window, the median lock-in time was fourteen minutes before the toss — within the desk's recommended window. Operators who locked in earlier than ten minutes before the toss performed slightly worse on average than operators who locked in the ten-to-twenty-minute window; the desk's read: ten minutes is the sweet spot.
On the desk — extended notes
Live pages on Sleeper are organised around the contest window. The window opens roughly four hours before the toss and closes at the toss. The desk files the probable XI, the venue read and the captain candidate before the window opens; the operator surface handles the during-match flow.
Tonight's fixtures are filed by 19:00 IST on match day. The desk surfaces the venue, format, toss time, lock-in window, and the contest ladder on the operator surface. The desk does not host live scores; the operator surface does, through its score partner.
Where the live score lives: inside the operator surface, hosted by the operator's score partner. The desk does not have visibility into the score feed; we surface the route, the operator handles the data. Readers who want a third-party scoreboard should use Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo or the BCCI feed directly.
The lock-in deadline is the toss. The desk recommends locking in at least ten minutes before the toss to avoid network congestion during the IPL peak. Once locked, your XI cannot be edited; the operator surface shows your team, your contest entry and your captain pick on the lock-in confirmation screen.
How the desk reads a live window: the desk's read is conservative. We file the probable XI, the venue index and the captain candidate. We do not run a live commentary; we do not update the read in real time. The desk surfaces the read before the match; the operator surface handles the during-match flow.
For readers who want a live scoreboard outside the operator surface, the desk's recommendation is Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo. Both have mobile apps and web surfaces that load in under two seconds on a 4G connection. The desk does not recommend a specific scoreboard; both are reliable; both are free.
Frequently asked
Where is the live score?
Inside the operator surface, hosted by the operator's score partner.
When does the contest window open?
Roughly four hours before the toss. Closes at the toss.
Can I edit my XI after lock-in?
No. Lock-in is at the toss.
Does the desk run live commentary?
No. The desk surfaces the read before the match.
How fast does the live score update?
The operator's score partner updates within two seconds of a real-world event. The desk surfaces the route; the operator handles the data.
Can I see the score on the desktop?
Yes. The operator's score partner runs a web surface. Bookmark the route from the editorial primary-nav.
Does the desk cover domestic cricket?
The desk covers IPL, international cricket and marquee bilateral series. Domestic coverage is sparse.
What happens if the live score disagrees with the broadcast?
File a ticket through the customer-care channel. Score disputes are operator-side.
When does the contest window open?
Roughly four hours before the toss. Closes at the toss.
Can I edit my XI after lock-in?
No. Lock-in is at the toss.
Does the desk run live commentary?
No. The desk surfaces the read before the match.
Where is the live score?
Inside the operator surface, hosted by the operator's score partner.
What if my network drops during lock-in?
The operator's lock-in step retries automatically. If the retry fails, your XI is not locked and you will need to lock in again before the toss.