No Ball in Cricket — Every Type Explained
A comprehensive guide to all types of no-ball in cricket: front-foot no-balls, high full tosses, overstepping, fielding position violations, and the consequences for the batting team.
A no-ball in cricket occurs when a bowler delivers the ball in an illegal manner, resulting in one penalty run added to the batting team's total and the delivery being re-bowled. In limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20s), a no-ball from any delivery also results in a 'free hit' on the next delivery — a ball on which the batsman cannot be dismissed by most conventional methods.
Types of No Ball
- Front-foot no-ball: the most common type — the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease (the line in front of the stumps) at delivery. The foot can land on the line but not fully beyond it.
- High full toss: a delivery that passes above the waist height of the batsman in their normal stance, without bouncing first. Called as both a no-ball and a warning to the bowler.
- Back-foot no-ball: the bowler's back foot touches or lands outside the return crease (the side crease). Rarely called.
- Fielding position violation: if more than 2 fielders are positioned behind square leg at delivery (in T20/ODIs during powerplay), it's a no-ball.
- Fielder outside the circle (ODIs): if more than 5 fielders are outside the 30-yard fielding circle during the powerplay, the delivery is a no-ball.
- Ball bouncing more than twice: if the ball bounces twice before reaching the batsman's reach, the delivery is a no-ball.
- Bowling underarm without notice: underarm bowling in any form is now illegal in international cricket.
The Free Hit
In ODIs and T20s, a no-ball triggers a 'free hit' on the following delivery. On a free hit, the batsman cannot be dismissed by any method that requires the ball to be in play — bowled, LBW, caught, or stumped. The batsman CAN be run out on a free hit (the ball is live for run-outs). The wicketkeeper must stand back outside the stumps on a free hit in T20s.
Third Umpire No-Ball Monitoring
ICC matches increasingly use the third umpire to monitor front-foot no-balls in real time. Camera technology checks every delivery for front-foot placement, and the third umpire alerts the on-field umpire via earpiece if a no-ball is detected. This system significantly reduces missed front-foot no-balls, which previously went undetected at high rates.
No-Ball Consequences Summary
| Consequence | Test | ODI / T20 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 penalty run | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery re-bowled | Yes | Yes |
| Free hit on next ball | No | Yes |
| Batsman can be caught | Yes | Yes (on no-ball, but not free hit) |
| Batsman can be run out | Yes | Yes (including on free hit) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common type of no-ball in cricket?
The front-foot no-ball — where the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease — is by far the most common type of no-ball in cricket.
Can a batsman be caught out off a no-ball?
The batsman is not out if caught off a no-ball — the catch doesn't dismiss them. However, the ball is still live and runs can be scored. On a free hit (after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket), the batsman also cannot be caught or bowled.
Does a no-ball count as one of the six deliveries in an over?
No. A no-ball must be re-bowled — it is not counted as a legal delivery. This can significantly extend an over if a bowler bowls multiple no-balls.