Cricket Umpire Signals: Every Gesture Explained
From the raised index finger to the TV signal, cricket umpires communicate with a precise set of gestures. This guide decodes every standard umpire signal used in professional cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Do umpire signals differ between formats?
The signals themselves are standardised by the Laws of Cricket (MCC) and are the same across all formats. However, in T20 cricket the signals are sometimes more animated or performed more quickly due to the faster pace of play and the need to maintain momentum in shorter formats. DRS adds the television-screen signal that did not exist before technology reviews were introduced.
What does the umpire do when they cannot decide immediately?
When an umpire is unsure (particularly on caught-behind or LBW decisions), they may consult with the other on-field umpire. If the consultation does not resolve the doubt, the on-field umpire can choose to refer to the third umpire (using the TV signal) even without a team review request — this is at the umpire's discretion for some categories of decision.