What Is a No-Ball in Cricket? Types, Rules & the Free Hit
A no-ball is an illegal delivery that costs the bowling side a run and a re-bowl. Here are every type of no-ball, the free-hit rule, and how a batter can be out off one.
A no-ball is an illegal delivery in cricket. When a bowler breaks one of the delivery laws, the umpire signals a no-ball: the batting side is awarded a penalty run, the batter can only be dismissed in limited ways, and the ball must be re-bowled.
What a no-ball costs
- +1 penalty run to the batting team (in addition to any runs scored off the ball).
- The delivery does not count toward the over — the bowler must bowl it again.
- In white-ball cricket, the next ball is a free hit.
Common types of no-ball
| Type | What causes it |
|---|---|
| Front-foot no-ball | Bowler’s front foot lands fully beyond the popping crease (no part behind the line) |
| Back-foot no-ball | Back foot touches or crosses the return crease |
| Height no-ball (beamer) | A full-toss passing above waist height to a batter standing upright |
| Bouncer no-ball | More than the permitted number of bouncers above shoulder height in an over |
| Fielding no-ball | Illegal field — e.g. more than two fielders behind square leg, or a powerplay breach |
| Throwing no-ball | The bowler straightens the arm illegally (chucking) |
How a batter can be out off a no-ball
Most dismissals are off the table. Off a no-ball a batter can be out only by:
- Run out
- Obstructing the field
- Hitting the ball twice
- Handled the ball (now part of obstructing the field)
A batter cannot be bowled, caught, stumped, or out LBW off a no-ball.
The free hit
After a no-ball in ODIs and T20Is, the next delivery is a free hit. On a free hit the striker cannot be dismissed by any method that requires the ball to be legal (so no bowled, caught, LBW, or stumped) — only run-out-type dismissals apply. Fielders may not change positions for a free hit unless the batters swapped ends.
Quick summary: A no-ball is an illegal ball = 1 free run + a re-bowl, and (in white-ball cricket) a free hit next ball.
Frequently asked questions
How many runs is a no-ball worth?+
One penalty run is added to the batting team's total, plus any runs the batters score off that delivery. The ball is also re-bowled.
Can a batsman be out off a no-ball?+
Yes, but only by run out, handled the ball, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. A batter cannot be bowled, caught, stumped or LBW off a no-ball.
Does every no-ball give a free hit?+
In ODIs and T20Is, yes — the delivery after any no-ball is a free hit. In Test cricket there is no free hit.