The Free Hit in Cricket: Rules, When It Applies, and How Teams Use It
Everything about the free hit rule in cricket — when it's awarded, what can and can't happen on a free-hit delivery, the fielding restrictions, and famous free-hit moments.
What Is a Free Hit?
A free hit is a ball in T20 and ODI cricket following a front-foot no-ball, on which the batter cannot be dismissed except by run-out, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. The umpire signals a free hit by raising and rotating the arm above their head before the delivery. The batter can play any shot without fear of being caught, stumped, or bowled — an enormous advantage, particularly in T20 cricket where a free hit in the last few overs is worth significant runs.
Fielding Restrictions on a Free Hit
A key rule often overlooked: when a free hit is awarded, the fielding team cannot change their field setting from the no-ball delivery unless a wicket has fallen. This means the fielding captain cannot bring extra fielders inside the circle or rearrange boundary riders specifically to defend the free hit. This restriction amplifies the free hit's value — the batter knows exactly where the gaps are because the field must stay the same.
What Format Uses Free Hits?
Free hits apply in T20 Internationals, ODI cricket, and most domestic limited-overs competitions. They do NOT apply in Test cricket — no-balls in Tests result in an extra run and a re-delivery, but there is no free-hit protection for the following delivery. The Hundred also uses free hits after no-balls, following its tournament-specific playing conditions.
Famous Free-Hit Moments
Free hits have produced some of T20 cricket's most memorable sequences. The combination of a free hit in the final over with a good batter at the crease can transform a match — turning a good-looking total into an inadequate one, or converting a tight chase into a comfortable one. In IPL cricket, free hits in death overs have frequently decided close finishes, with batters hitting sixes they otherwise could not have risked.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be out on a free hit in cricket?
A batter on a free hit can only be dismissed by run-out, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. They cannot be bowled, caught, stumped, or given out LBW.
Does the field have to stay the same on a free hit?
Yes — the fielding team cannot change their field setting from the no-ball delivery unless a wicket has fallen between the no-ball and the free hit delivery.