Cricket Umpire Signals Explained: Every Hand Signal Decoded
Umpires use hand signals to communicate decisions on the field. Learn all 12 umpire signals — from six and four to dead ball and short run — and what each one means.
Cricket umpires use standardised hand signals to communicate decisions to the scorer in the scorebox and to the crowd. Each signal has a specific meaning under the Laws of Cricket. Most are also used to communicate to the third umpire during DRS reviews.
The Complete List of Umpire Signals
| Signal | Gesture | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Six | Both arms raised above head | Ball reached boundary on the full |
| Four | Arm waved across the body | Ball reached boundary along the ground |
| Out | Finger raised | Batter is dismissed |
| No-ball | One arm outstretched | Illegal delivery — free hit follows |
| Wide | Both arms out horizontally | Ball too wide for batter to reach |
| Leg bye | Raised knee patted | Ball hit leg, not bat — byes from leg |
| Bye | Hand raised above head, palm open | Ball passed bat and keeper — runs credited |
| Dead ball | Both arms crossed | Ball is dead — no runs counted |
| Short run | Arm touches shoulder | Batter failed to ground bat at crease |
| TV review | Rectangle drawn with fingers | Decision referred to third umpire |
| Penalty 5 runs | One hand on opposite shoulder | 5-run penalty awarded |
| New ball | Ball held aloft | New ball has been taken |
The Out Signal
The out signal — a raised index finger — is the most iconic gesture in cricket. Umpires raise the finger after judging that the batter is dismissed: bowled, LBW, caught, stumped, or run out. The signal is held until the batter begins walking off, at which point the umpire lowers the finger. If the decision is reversed by the third umpire, the umpire waves both arms across each other (the 'not out' signal).
No-Ball vs Wide
The no-ball signal (one arm outstretched) is signalled immediately on delivery of an illegal ball — before any runs are scored. A wide (both arms horizontal) is signalled immediately if the delivery is too far wide for the batter to reach. Both deliveries require a re-bowl, and both add one run to the batting side's total automatically.
TV Review Signal
When the on-field umpire refers a decision to the third umpire — either on their own or because the batting team requested a DRS review — they draw a rectangle in the air with both hands. This signals to everyone in the ground that a review is under way. The scoreboard and broadcast switch to the technology replay. After the third umpire's decision, the on-field umpire gives either the out signal or the not-out signal accordingly.
Short Run Signal
A short run occurs when a batter fails to ground the bat or any part of the body behind the crease when running. The scoring umpire (at the far end) touches their shoulder to signal a short run to the square leg umpire, who confirms. The run is deducted from the total — if both batters run short, two runs are deducted. This is relatively rare but becomes more common under match pressure when batters run urgently.
Frequently asked questions
How many umpire signals are there in cricket?
There are approximately 12 standardised umpire signals under the Laws of Cricket, covering decisions from six and four to no-ball, wide, leg bye, dead ball, short run, and review referrals.
What does it mean when the umpire raises their finger?
A raised finger from the umpire means the batter is out — dismissed on that delivery. It is called 'the finger of doom' in cricket commentary.
What signal does an umpire give for a no-ball?
The umpire extends one arm horizontally to signal a no-ball. This is usually done immediately as the ball is delivered — or after checking a foot fault — before any runs are scored.