# Cricket No Ball Rules: Penalties, Examples and Free Hit Explained
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Introduction
A no ball is an illegal delivery in cricket. It can be called when a bowler breaks a delivery rule, such as overstepping the popping crease or bowling a delivery that is prohibited under the match regulations.
A no ball usually gives the batting team one extra run, and the delivery does not count as one of the six valid balls in an over. In limited-overs international cricket, a no ball also normally leads to a free hit on the next delivery. Specific playing conditions can differ by format and competition, so always check the rules governing the match.
What Is a No Ball in Cricket?
A no ball is an umpire's call indicating that the bowler has delivered the ball illegally under the applicable cricket rules.
The ball does not automatically become dead when a no ball is called. Batters can still score runs, and the fielding team may still attempt certain dismissals.
The umpire generally signals a no ball by extending one arm horizontally.
Common Reasons for a No Ball
### 1. Front-Foot No Ball
A front-foot no ball occurs when the bowler fails to land at least part of the front foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease during the delivery stride, according to the applicable law.
This is one of the most familiar reasons for a no ball. Bowlers need to control their run-up and landing position to avoid overstepping.
### 2. Back-Foot No Ball
A back-foot no ball can be called when the bowler's back foot lands outside the permitted area in relation to the return crease. The precise requirements are set out in the Laws of Cricket.
### 3. Illegal Bowling Action
A delivery may be ruled illegal if the bowler uses a prohibited bowling action. Suspected throwing or an illegal bowling action is handled under the relevant Laws and competition procedures.
### 4. Prohibited or Incorrect Delivery
A no ball may be called for certain deliveries that breach the rules governing how the ball is bowled. For example, underarm bowling is generally not permitted unless specifically agreed before the match under the applicable Laws.
### 5. Dangerous or Unfair Deliveries
Some high or otherwise dangerous deliveries can be called no balls, depending on the ball's height, speed, circumstances, and the playing conditions. The exact treatment can differ between formats, so it is important not to assume that every high delivery is judged identically.
### 6. Fielding or Other Rule Violations
Certain fielding infringements or other breaches can also result in a no ball. The umpire applies the relevant law and competition regulations to determine the correct decision.
No Ball Penalty in Cricket
The standard no ball penalty is **one extra run** awarded to the batting team. This run is recorded as a no ball extra and is charged to the bowler.
Any additional runs scored from the delivery are added according to how they were made. For example, completed runs, boundaries, byes, or leg byes may be recorded separately under the scoring rules.
### Example: How Runs Are Counted
Suppose the bowler delivers a no ball, and the batter hits the ball for four runs.
- No ball extra: 1 run
- Runs scored from the bat: 4 runs
- Total added to the batting team's score: 5 runs
If the batter does not hit the ball and the batters run two byes, the batting team may receive one no ball extra plus two byes, giving a total of three runs, assuming no other penalty or boundary applies.
Does a No Ball Count as a Ball in the Over?
No. A no ball does not count as one of the valid deliveries in an over. The bowler must deliver a replacement ball so the over can be completed with the required number of valid deliveries.
For example, if a bowler has delivered five valid balls and then bowls a no ball, the over still needs one more valid delivery after that illegal ball.
This is why no balls can increase the number of deliveries and runs in an over.
What Is a Free Hit After a No Ball?
A free hit is a special delivery on which the striker has greater protection against dismissal.
In ICC men's ODI and T20I playing conditions, a no ball is followed by a free hit. If that free-hit delivery is itself a no ball or a wide, the next delivery remains a free hit.
On a free hit, the batter generally cannot be dismissed in the usual ways such as bowled, caught, or leg before wicket. The dismissals allowed are restricted to those applicable to a no ball, including run out, obstructing the field, and hitting the ball twice under the relevant rules.
**Important:** Do not assume that every format uses exactly the same free-hit rule. Test cricket and other competitions may have different playing conditions.
No Ball vs Wide Ball
A no ball and a wide are different types of illegal delivery.
| Feature | No Ball | Wide Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Common cause | Foot fault or another delivery-rule breach | Ball judged too far from the batter to play a normal shot |
| Standard penalty | One extra run | One extra run |
| Counts as a valid ball? | No | No |
| Free hit in ICC ODI/T20I conditions? | Normally yes | Not by itself |
| Can the batter score more runs? | Yes | Yes |
A delivery that qualifies as a no ball takes priority over a wide call under the Laws of Cricket.
Can a Batter Be Out from a No Ball?
A no ball does not prevent every possible dismissal. Under the standard Laws, a batter cannot be dismissed in most ordinary ways from a no ball, but exceptions include:
- Run out
- Obstructing the field
- Hit the ball twice
The applicable playing conditions should be checked for the exact rules used in a particular competition.
For example, if the batter hits a no ball and attempts a run, the fielding side can still run the batter out before they reach safety.
How to Avoid No Balls as a Bowler
Bowlers can reduce avoidable no balls by following a few basic practices:
1. **Control the run-up:** Use a consistent approach rather than accelerating unpredictably.
2. **Watch the front foot:** Practise landing safely behind the popping crease.
3. **Check the back foot:** Make sure it lands within the permitted area.
4. **Follow the agreed bowling rules:** Confirm the requirements for the match format.
5. **Practise with feedback:** Ask a coach or teammate to observe the landing position during training.
6. **Stay disciplined:** Avoid experimenting with unusual deliveries in a competitive match unless they are permitted.
Regular practice can improve control, but bowlers should always follow the umpire's decisions and the official regulations.
Common No Ball Mistakes Beginners Make
### Thinking a No Ball Is a Dead Ball
The call itself does not make the ball dead. Batters can continue running, and the fielding team can still attempt permitted dismissals.
### Forgetting the Extra Run
A no ball normally adds one penalty run even if the batter scores no runs from the delivery.
### Counting It as One of the Six Balls
A no ball does not count as a valid delivery in the over.
### Assuming Every No Ball Gives a Free Hit in Every Format
Free-hit rules depend on the competition's playing conditions. ICC ODI and T20I conditions provide a free hit after a no ball, but formats should not automatically be treated as identical.
Conclusion
Understanding cricket no ball rules makes it easier to follow scores, umpire decisions, and bowling performance. A no ball usually gives the batting team one extra run, does not count as a valid ball in the over, and may lead to a free hit under the applicable limited-overs rules.
The most common cause beginners notice is a front-foot fault, but several other delivery and fielding violations can also lead to a no ball. For accurate decisions, check the Laws of Cricket and the playing conditions used in the specific match.
Frequently Asked Questions
### 1. How many runs are awarded for a no ball in cricket?
A no ball normally gives the batting team one penalty run. Any additional runs scored from the delivery are added according to the scoring rules.
### 2. Does a no ball count as one of the six balls in an over?
No. It is an invalid delivery and does not count as one of the six valid balls required to complete an over.
### 3. Is a free hit given after every no ball?
In ICC ODI and T20I cricket, a no ball is followed by a free hit. Other formats and competitions may use different playing conditions.
### 4. Can a batter be caught out from a no ball?
Under the standard Laws, a batter cannot be dismissed caught from a no ball. Certain dismissals, including run out, remain possible.
### 5. What is the difference between a no ball and a wide?
A no ball usually results from a delivery-rule breach, such as a foot fault. A wide is generally called when a delivery is too far from the batter to be reached with a normal cricket stroke. Both normally add one extra run and do not count as valid balls.
### 6. Can a no ball be hit for six?
Yes. If the batter hits a no ball over the boundary for six, the boundary runs are added along with the no ball penalty, making seven runs in total under the usual scoring rules.
### 7. Who is charged for the no ball extra?
The one-run no ball penalty is recorded as a no ball extra and charged against the bowler.