Cricket Umpire Hand Signals Explained
What each umpire hand signal means in cricket — from wide to no-ball, four, six, out, and TV review. The official signals and when they are used.
Cricket umpires communicate decisions to players, scorers, and spectators through a standardised set of hand signals. These signals are part of the Laws of Cricket and have been consistent across international cricket for decades. Understanding them is essential for following the game without commentary.
Core Signals
- Out: Index finger raised above the head, extended upright — the most decisive and recognised signal in cricket.
- Not out: Both arms extended downward at the sides, palms facing forward.
- Wide: Both arms extended horizontally at shoulder height.
- No-ball: One arm extended horizontally at shoulder height — different from wide which uses both arms.
- Boundary four: One arm waved across the body from side to side.
- Boundary six: Both arms raised above the head.
- Bye: One arm raised above the head.
- Leg bye: One hand raised and touches the knee or raised leg.
- Dead ball: Both arms crossed at wrist level in front of the body.
TV Review Signal
When a DRS review is requested, the on-field umpire signals to the third umpire using a TV screen outline gesture — forming a rectangle with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, mimicking a television screen. This signals that the decision has been referred to the third umpire for review via technology.
Penalty Runs Signal
When 5 penalty runs are awarded, the umpire taps one shoulder with the opposite hand — indicating to the scorers that 5 bonus runs are being added. This signal is used for situations like the ball striking a grounded helmet, ball tampering, or deliberate obstruction.
Short Run Signal
If a batter fails to complete their run properly by grounding their bat behind the crease, the umpire signals a short run: one arm is bent upward at the elbow with the forearm across the chest. A short run means one run is deducted from any runs scored on that delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Do umpires use different signals in different countries?
No — the signals are standardised under the Laws of Cricket administered by the MCC. All ICC member nations play under the same signal conventions. The signals appear in Law 42 and associated playing conditions. The only variations are in how emphatically or dramatically individual umpires execute the signals.
Why do umpires signal a four or six if everyone can see it?
The signal is directed primarily at the scorers, not the crowd. Even if it is visually obvious that the ball went over the boundary for six, the official scorekeeper records runs based on the umpire's confirmed signal, not their own visual judgment. This prevents misunderstandings between what the crowd sees and what is officially recorded.
What happens if the umpire gives the wrong signal?
If an umpire accidentally signals incorrectly and the scorers record the wrong outcome, the error can be corrected immediately if caught. Scorers maintain constant communication with umpires to confirm decisions. In the event of a disputed recorded total, the umpires and match referee review the official documentation to correct errors.