No Ball Types in Cricket: Every Reason a Delivery Is Illegal
A no ball in cricket can be called for many reasons beyond just overstepping — from illegal actions to field placements, knowing all types helps understand cricket's rules fully.
What Is a No Ball in Cricket?
A no ball is an illegal delivery that costs the bowling side one extra run and, in limited-overs cricket, means the batting side gets a free hit on the next ball. No balls can be called for numerous reasons, most commonly foot fault (front-foot overstepping), but also for illegal actions, dangerous deliveries, field placement violations, and more.
Types of No Balls in Cricket
| Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Front-foot no-ball | Bowler's foot fully beyond popping crease |
| Back-foot no-ball | Bowler's foot outside return crease |
| Waist-height full toss (beamer) | Full-pitched ball above waist height |
| Dangerous bouncer | Ball passing above head without batsman playing it |
| Illegal action (throw) | Elbow flexion exceeds 15 degrees |
| Fielding position no-ball | Fielder in illegal position at time of delivery |
What the Free Hit Means
After a front-foot no-ball in limited-overs cricket, the next delivery is a free hit. On a free hit, the batsman can only be dismissed run out — they cannot be bowled, caught, stumped, or LBW. This makes a free hit a huge opportunity for the batting side and a costly mistake for the bowler.
No Ball vs Wide
Both no balls and wides are extras — they cost one run each (or more if the ball goes to the boundary). However, wides are called when the ball passes too far from the batsman; no balls relate to illegal delivery actions. On a wide, the over does not count (the delivery must be re-bowled); on a no-ball, the delivery also doesn't count toward the over.
Frequently asked questions
What is a no ball in cricket?
A no ball is an illegal delivery that costs one extra run and, in limited-overs cricket, triggers a free hit on the next ball.
What are the most common types of no ball in cricket?
Front-foot no-ball (overstepping the popping crease) is the most common, followed by dangerous deliveries (bouncers above head, beamers).
What is a free hit in cricket?
A free hit is a delivery after a front-foot no-ball in limited-overs cricket where the batsman can only be dismissed run out — they cannot be bowled, caught, stumped, or LBW.