Cricket Umpire Signals: What Every Hand Signal Means
Cricket umpires use a set of standardised hand signals to communicate decisions to scorers, players, and spectators. Learn what each signal means — from wide to six to TV review — and why they matter.
Cricket umpires communicate the result of each delivery to the scorers, players, and crowd through a set of standardised signals. These signals have evolved over centuries; the basic set is defined in Law 3 of the Laws of Cricket and is taught to every qualified umpire worldwide.
Common Umpire Signals
| Signal | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Arm raised above head — index finger extended | Out (dismissal) |
| Both arms raised above head | Six runs (boundary) |
| One arm raised horizontally, pointing to the boundary | Four runs (boundary) |
| Both arms extended horizontally and waved | Wide ball |
| One arm raised, forearm vertical at 90 degrees | No ball |
| Arm raised, tapping own shoulder | Dead ball |
| Pointing to the crease repeatedly | Short run (run not counted) |
| Both hands raised, palms facing outward | TV review requested |
| Index finger pointed to nose | Leg byes |
| Touching bails | Byes (no bat or body contact) |
TV Review Signal
The DRS review signal — both hands forming a rectangular frame (mimicking a television screen) — was added relatively recently to indicate that a decision is being referred to the third umpire. The umpire makes this signal when their colleague on the other end, or the fielding or batting captain, initiates a review.
Why Signals Matter
Scorers cannot always see ball-tracking systems or hear umpire verbals from their position at boundary level. Umpire signals are the primary channel of information to the scorebook. At the end of each over, umpires sometimes remind scorers by repeating relevant signals — particularly for extras accumulated in that over.
Frequently asked questions
What does an umpire do when they want a TV review?
They form a rectangular frame with both hands (index fingers and thumbs) to indicate the decision is being referred to the third umpire via DRS technology.
What signal does an umpire give for a no-ball?
One arm extended horizontally to the side, with the forearm then raised vertically — forming an L-shape.