No Ball in Cricket: All Types and Consequences Explained
A no ball in cricket can be called for multiple reasons — front-foot overstepping, back foot outside return crease, dangerous deliveries, or illegal fielding positions. This guide explains every type of no ball, the consequences, and how the free hit rule works.
A no ball in cricket is an illegal delivery — one that violates the Laws in a specified way. No balls cost the bowling team in multiple ways: one run is added to the batting team's extras score; the delivery must be re-bowled; the batsman cannot be dismissed in most modes; and in T20 and ODI cricket, the delivery produces a free hit (the next ball where the batsman can only be dismissed by run out, handling the ball, or obstructing the field — not by catching, bowling, or LBW). Understanding no balls is essential for understanding cricket's complex delivery laws.
Front Foot No Ball
The front foot no ball (overstepping the crease) is the most common type — the bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot behind the batting crease at the non-striker's end at the point of delivery. If the entire foot lands over the line (or the heel is over the line even if toes are behind), it's a no ball. The umpire's primary focus in the delivery stride is the front foot: confirming it's behind the line while simultaneously watching for the delivery type, line, and height. Front foot no balls in Test cricket can cost a wicket — if a no ball produces a 'wicket', it is not out.
Other No Ball Types
Other no ball types: back foot no ball (back foot entirely over the return crease on the off side — rare); high full-toss no ball (delivery above the waist height of the batsman in batting position without bouncing — a beamer); bouncer above head height (a short-pitched delivery that passes above the batsman's head without bouncing at the non-striker's end — illegal); body-on delivery (an excessive number of bouncers in an over — 2 per over in Tests, 1 in limited-overs); illegal fielding position (fielder inside the restriction circle when one isn't permitted); and fielder outside the circle when the powerplay restriction applies.
The Free Hit
The free hit (introduced in T20 cricket in 2007, extended to ODIs in 2015) applies after any front-foot no ball or back-foot no ball in limited-overs cricket. On a free hit: the batsman cannot be dismissed by being caught, bowled, stumped, or LBW — only run out, hit the ball twice, or obstruct the field. The field cannot be changed for the free hit ball unless a wicket falls. Free hits in T20 death overs (when the batsman is already in power-hitting mode) can result in sixes from balls that would otherwise be defended. They incentivise bowlers strongly against overstepping.
Frequently asked questions
What is a no ball in cricket?
A no ball in cricket is an illegal delivery that violates the Laws — most commonly a bowler overstepping the batting crease (front foot no ball). A no ball costs the bowling team: 1 run added to batting extras, the delivery must be re-bowled, and the batsman cannot be dismissed through most modes on the no ball delivery. In T20 and ODI cricket, a front or back foot no ball gives the batting team a free hit on the next delivery.
What is a free hit in cricket?
A free hit in cricket is the delivery after a front-foot or back-foot no ball in T20 and ODI cricket (introduced in 2007 for T20, 2015 for ODIs). On a free hit delivery, the batsman can only be dismissed by run out, handling the ball twice, or obstruction — not by being caught, bowled, stumped, or LBW. The fielding positions cannot change for a free hit unless a wicket was taken on the no ball. Free hits are highly valuable for batting teams as the batsman can play aggressively without dismissal risk.
Can a batsman be dismissed on a no ball?
No — a batsman cannot be dismissed through most modes on a no ball delivery. Dismissals not allowed off no balls include: bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, hit the ball twice, and handled the ball. However, a batsman CAN be run out off a no ball (if they attempt a run and are short of their ground). This is why 'run out off a no ball' still ends the partnership — it is the exception to no-ball protection.