Appeal in Cricket Explained: How Umpires Are Asked for Decisions
How the appeal system works in cricket — why bowlers and fielders must appeal for every dismissal, what 'Howzat' means, when the umpire can give a batter out without an appeal, and the rules around excessive appealing.
In cricket, an appeal is the act of a fielding team member formally requesting the umpire to rule whether a batter is dismissed. Under the Laws of Cricket, an umpire can only give a batter out in response to a valid appeal — with one exception (run out, where the umpire can rule out without appeal under specific circumstances). The appeal must be made before the bowler runs in to bowl the next delivery; once the next delivery begins, the opportunity to appeal for the previous ball has expired.
Why Appeals Are Required
The requirement to appeal before an umpire can give a batter out exists to ensure the umpire only rules on dismissals that the fielding team believes have occurred. Without an appeal requirement, umpires could proactively give batters out, disrupting the flow of play. The appeal system also ensures the umpire's decision is reactive rather than proactive — they respond to the fielding team's belief that a wicket has fallen, rather than initiating dismissal reviews themselves. The appeal requirement has been part of the Laws of Cricket since the earliest codified Laws.
'Howzat' and Other Appeal Expressions
'Howzat' (a contraction of 'how's that?') is the traditional verbal appeal in cricket — the question addressed to the umpire asking for their judgment on whether the batter is out. 'Howzat' is used across international, domestic, and club cricket. Other appeal expressions include 'how is that?', 'is that out?', or simply a wordless shout or raised hands addressed toward the umpire. The appeal must be directed to the umpire (not just shouted into the air); if the umpire does not hear the appeal, they are not required to respond.
When the Umpire Does Not Have to Give Out
Even after a valid appeal, the umpire does not have to give a batter out — they make their judgment based on whether they believe the dismissal has occurred. An appeal is an invitation to the umpire to make a judgment, not a demand that the umpire give the batter out. The umpire can respond: 'Out' (the batter is dismissed), 'Not Out' (the batter is not dismissed), or 'Not Sure' (rare — but an umpire can indicate they did not see the incident clearly, inviting the fielding team to review via DRS if available). The umpire's decision can be challenged by DRS within the time and review allocations available to the fielding team.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cricketers have to appeal for a wicket?
Because under the Laws of Cricket, an umpire can only give a batter out in response to a valid appeal — not proactively. The appeal system ensures umpires respond to the fielding team's belief that a wicket has fallen, rather than initiating dismissal decisions themselves.
What does Howzat mean in cricket?
'How's that?' — the traditional verbal appeal directed to the umpire asking for their ruling on whether the batter is dismissed. Other expressions ('how is that?', 'is that out?') are equally valid. The appeal must be directed to the umpire; an appeal shouted into the air that the umpire doesn't hear need not be answered.
Is excessive appealing illegal in cricket?
Yes — excessive or aggressive appealing, particularly with dissent at the umpire's decision, violates the ICC Code of Conduct. Repeated appeals after the umpire has ruled, or appeals that intimidate the umpire, can result in Code of Conduct charges from the match referee. Confident but respectful appeals are legal; aggressive dissent is not.