Umpire Signals: Every Arm and Hand Signal Explained
Cricket umpires communicate with players, scorers, and spectators through a system of specific arm and hand signals. From the raised index finger (out!) to the outstretched arms (wide), each signal has a precise meaning defined in the MCC Laws of Cricket. Understanding these signals allows viewers to follow the game without needing commentary to explain each decision.
Cricket umpiring signals are used because the fielding and batting teams, the scorers in the pavilion, and the spectators all need to understand the umpire's decision simultaneously. A single clear signal communicates to all parties at once. The umpire's signals are standardised across all international cricket by the ICC (International Cricket Council) and MCC Laws of Cricket. On-field umpires make signals; the third umpire (reviewing decisions via technology) signals via the television screen shown on the scoreboard, and their verdict is relayed by the on-field umpire to the players.
Out Signals
Dismissal signals: Out (any mode): index finger of one hand raised above the head; this signals that the batsman is dismissed. Wide: both arms extended horizontally at shoulder height (like a cross); this signals a wide delivery (a penalty run to the batting team; the delivery is not counted against the over and must be re-bowled). No-ball: one arm extended horizontally at shoulder height; a no-ball results in a free hit for the batting team in limited-overs cricket and a penalty run. Boundary 4: one arm waved horizontally across the umpire's chest repeatedly; signals that the ball has reached or crossed the boundary for 4 runs. Six: both arms raised above the head; signals a maximum (6 runs) from the ball clearing the boundary on the full.
Scoring Signals
Scoring signals: Leg bye: the umpire raises one hand above the head with the knee of the opposite leg raised simultaneously (knee-up pose); signals a leg bye (run scored off the pad without hitting the bat). Bye: one hand raised with palm open; signals a bye (run scored without the ball touching the bat or pad — past the wicketkeeper). Dead ball: both hands crossed below the waist; signals that the ball is dead (for no specific reason; sometimes used when there is an interruption). Short run: one arm bent at the elbow with the hand touching the shoulder; signals that a running batsman did not ground their bat behind the popping crease properly — the run does not count.
Third Umpire Signals
Third umpire review signals: when the third umpire is asked to review a decision, the on-field umpire makes the 'TV signal' — drawing a rectangle in the air with both index fingers (the television screen shape). After the review, the third umpire communicates their verdict to the on-field umpire via earpiece; the on-field umpire then signals: if the original decision is upheld (not overturned), the umpire repeats the original signal (e.g., raises the finger again for an LBW that is upheld); if the original decision is overturned, the umpire signals the reversal (lowers the finger for a not-out originally given; raises the finger for an out that was originally not given). The third umpire's screen also shows 'OUT' or 'NOT OUT' on the stadium scoreboard.
Frequently asked questions
What does the umpire signal in cricket?
Cricket umpires use standardised arm and hand signals to communicate decisions to players, scorers, and spectators. The main signals: Raised index finger = batsman is out; Both arms extended horizontally = wide (penalty run, delivery re-bowled); One arm extended horizontally = no-ball (free hit in limited overs); One arm waved across chest = boundary 4 runs; Both arms raised overhead = six runs; Knee raised with one hand up = leg bye; One open palm raised = bye; TV rectangle drawn with fingers = referral to third umpire; Bent arm touching shoulder = short run. These signals are defined in the MCC Laws of Cricket and are used by umpires at all levels worldwide.
How does an umpire give a batsman out in cricket?
An umpire gives a batsman out in cricket by raising their index finger of the right or left hand (whichever is more natural) above their head. This single raised finger is universally understood as 'the batsman is dismissed.' The umpire only raises the finger after an appeal from the fielding team (the wicketkeeper or a fielder must appeal 'How's that?' or 'Howzat?' before the umpire can give the batsman out). If the umpire believes the batsman is not out, they say 'not out' (or wave both hands horizontally) without raising the finger. If the batting team disagrees with the 'out' decision, they can request a DRS review within 15 seconds.
What is a wide ball in cricket?
A wide ball in cricket is a delivery that the umpire considers too wide for the batsman to hit with a normal batting stroke — the ball passes the batsman so far outside the off or leg stump that it is unplayable. A wide results in: 1 penalty run added to the batting team's total (as an extra); the delivery must be re-bowled (it does not count as a legitimate delivery in the over); and in limited-overs cricket, if a wide bounces over shoulder height, it is also called a wide (in Tests, this would be a no-ball). The umpire signals a wide by extending both arms horizontally at shoulder height. Wide ball definitions differ slightly between Test, ODI, and T20 cricket — the T20 wide rule is stricter (allowing less width outside the off stump).