The Third Umpire in Cricket: How Video Referrals Work and What Gets Reviewed
How the third umpire operates in cricket — which decisions are referred upstairs automatically, how the review screen works, the difference between on-field referral and DRS challenge, and famous third umpire controversies.
The third umpire is an off-field official who watches television replays of specific match incidents and communicates decisions to the on-field umpires via earpiece. Introduced in international cricket in the 1990s, the third umpire was initially used only for run-out decisions; today they review boundary decisions, catches, stumpings, and — through the DRS system — LBW and bowled dismissals. The third umpire's role has expanded dramatically with the availability of multiple camera angles and technology.
Automatic Referrals vs DRS Challenges
Two distinct pathways send decisions to the third umpire. Automatic referrals occur when the on-field umpires themselves decide they need technology assistance — close run-outs, potential catches that may have been grounded, sixes or fours that may have been stopped by the rope. In these cases, the on-field umpire signals 'soft signal' (their best guess at the outcome) and refers to the third umpire. DRS challenges occur when a team uses their player review, disagreeing with an on-field decision on LBW, caught, or other dismissal types. The third umpire then systematically reviews the relevant technology.
What the Third Umpire Reviews
- Run-outs and stumpings: Multiple camera angles establish whether the bat/foot was grounded before the bail was removed. The third umpire checks the exact frame when bails dislodge.
- Catches: Did the fielder complete the catch cleanly, or did it graze the ground? Third umpire checks angles showing ball-hand-ground contact.
- Boundary decisions: Was the fielder's foot inside the boundary when touching the ball? Did the ball reach the boundary rope before the fielder stopped it?
- LBW reviews: Via ball-tracking (Hawk-Eye), the third umpire determines pitch location, impact with pad, and projected ball path.
- No-balls: In some tournaments (IPL, various T20 leagues), the third umpire monitors front-foot no-balls for every delivery — on-field umpires focus on the play and the third umpire flags overstepping.
Soft Signal Controversy
The 'soft signal' — the on-field umpire's initial guess before referring to the third umpire — became controversial because of what happens when evidence is inconclusive. If the third umpire cannot clearly determine the outcome from available replays, the soft signal stands. Critics argue this makes the soft signal too influential: an umpire who guesses 'out' on a low catch will have that decision upheld even if technology cannot conclusively prove the ball carried. Several high-profile soft-signal controversies (particularly in IPL and international T20 matches) led to ongoing ICC discussions about removing or modifying the soft-signal rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is a soft signal in cricket?
A soft signal is the on-field umpire's preliminary decision when referring a close incident to the third umpire. When an umpire cannot determine on-field whether a catch was clean, a run-out completed, or a boundary correctly signalled, they give their 'best guess' opinion (out or not out) as the soft signal before technology review. If the third umpire cannot find conclusive evidence to overturn this soft signal from available replays, the soft signal stands. The soft signal is controversial because inconclusive technology defaults to the human guess rather than to 'not out' — the traditional benefit-of-the-doubt principle.
Can the third umpire overturn an on-field no-ball decision?
In most international formats and franchise leagues that use third-umpire no-ball monitoring, yes — the third umpire can call and signal no-balls that the on-field umpire missed. In tournaments with third-umpire front-foot no-ball monitoring, the third umpire watches every delivery for overstepping and communicates to the on-field umpire via earpiece if they see an infringement. The on-field umpire then calls the no-ball. This system has been controversial when a no-ball is called after a wicket appears to fall — if the bowler overstepped on the delivery on which the batter was dismissed, the wicket is void and a free hit follows.
How long does a third umpire review take?
A third umpire review typically takes 60-120 seconds for standard decisions (run-outs, boundary decisions) and 90-180 seconds for more complex DRS reviews (LBW ball-tracking, caught decisions). The longest reviews involve multi-angle caught-behind decisions where UltraEdge, Hot Spot, and regular camera angles must all be cross-referenced. During major tournaments, broadcast production teams streamline the graphics display to show technology results to viewers while the third umpire makes the final call. Excessively long reviews (4+ minutes) have prompted ICC guidance to third umpires about efficient decision-making.