No-Ball in Cricket: Types, Penalties and Free Hits
A no-ball is one of cricket's most impactful infringements — it adds a run, must be re-bowled, and in limited-overs cricket triggers a free hit on the next delivery.
A no-ball is an illegal delivery that results in a one-run penalty, a free delivery (the ball must be re-bowled), and — in limited-overs cricket — a free hit on the following delivery. Understanding the different types of no-ball helps players avoid costly mistakes and helps fans appreciate the umpire's decision.
Common Types of No-Ball
The most frequent no-ball is the front foot no-ball, where the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease before delivering the ball. Other types include: overstepping the return crease, bouncing the ball more than once before reaching the batter, a full pitch delivery that reaches above waist height (a beamer), bowling underarm (unless agreed), and certain fielding position infringements during the delivery stride.
The Free Hit Rule
In ODI and T20 cricket, a front-foot no-ball or any other no-ball (under ICC playing conditions) results in a free hit on the very next delivery. On a free hit, the batter cannot be dismissed except by a run out, hitting the ball twice, or obstructing the field. The free hit delivery is often where teams score maximum runs — power hitters target full tosses and half-volleys with confidence.
Dismissals Off a No-Ball
A batter cannot be out bowled, LBW, caught, or hit wicket off a no-ball. They can be run out, stumped (only from a legitimate no-ball that was not a front-foot no-ball in some conditions), handled the ball, or obstructed the field. The one-run penalty is added to the extras total and the delivery is not counted in the over.
Frequently asked questions
What is a front foot no-ball?
A front foot no-ball occurs when the bowler's front foot lands with any part beyond the popping crease at the instant of delivery. The front foot must land with some part behind the line.
Does a no-ball count in an over?
No. Like a wide, a no-ball does not count as one of the six legitimate deliveries — it must be re-bowled, and in limited-overs cricket the next ball is a free hit.