Beamer in Cricket — What It Is, Why It's Banned & the Rules Explained

A **beamer** is a full-pitched delivery (one that does not bounce before reaching the batsman) that arrives at or above waist height. Unlike a standard full toss (also full-pitched but below waist), a beamer is aimed at the batsman's body and is considered one of the most dangerous deliveries in cricket.

Why Is a Beamer Dangerous?

A cricket ball weighing 155–163 grams, delivered at speeds of 85–95+ mph and arriving above waist height without bouncing, gives the batsman almost no time to react. Unlike a bouncer (which rises from the pitch and the batsman sees it coming off the wicket), a beamer arrives at head or chest height on the full — making it extremely difficult and dangerous to play.

The Laws of Cricket on Beamers

Under Law 41.7 (Dangerous and unfair bowling — full pitched balls), a fast full-pitched delivery above waist height is deemed **unfair**. The penalties escalate sharply:

• **Immediate no-ball:** A beamer is always called as a no-ball, adding 1 run to the batting side and requiring rebowling.
• **First beamer:** The umpire issues a **first and final warning** to the bowler and informs the captain.
• **Second beamer:** The bowler is **removed from the attack** for the remainder of the innings. They cannot bowl again in that innings.
• **ICC regulations:** In international cricket, the Match Referee can also impose additional sanctions, including suspension for deliberate or repeated beamers.

Accidental vs Deliberate Beamers

Beamers are most commonly accidental — typically when a bowler loses grip at the point of delivery or slips. However, the Laws and umpires treat ALL beamers as dangerous regardless of intent. Deliberate beamers are treated as a serious disciplinary matter by the ICC and can result in match bans.

Famous Beamer Incidents

• **Mitchell Johnson vs Yuvraj Singh (2011):** Johnson's beamer struck Yuvraj on the helmet during a Test — Yuvraj was taken off the field for a head injury assessment.
• **Kevin Pietersen dismissal controversy (2012):** A high full toss in an ODI sparked debate over whether the height threshold had been correctly applied.
• **Free hit after beamer:** In T20 and ODI cricket, a no-ball from a beamer automatically triggers a **free hit** on the next delivery — the batsman cannot be dismissed by the fielding side off that ball.