Cricket Umpire Signals — What Every Hand Gesture Means
Decode every umpire signal in cricket: six, four, out, wide, no-ball, dead ball, and more — with clear explanations of what each gesture means and when it's used.
If you've ever watched a cricket match and wondered why the umpire is waving their arm in a peculiar way, you're not alone. Umpire signals are the universal language of cricket — a set of gestures that communicate decisions instantly to scorers, players, and fans across a noisy stadium.
Why Umpires Use Signals
Umpires signal for two audiences: the off-field scorer (who must record every run, extra, and dismissal accurately) and the TV broadcast (so commentators and viewers know the decision). Some signals confirm what's already obvious; others carry specific technical meaning that affects the scorecard.
Batting & Scoring Signals
A FOUR is signalled by waving one arm from side to side below the waist — even if the ball crossed the rope in the air and bounced back. A SIX is both arms raised above the head, confirmed only when the ball clears the boundary rope on the full (in the air). RUNS are signalled by crossing both arms in front of the body — one arm pointing toward the scorers.
Extras Signals
A WIDE is signalled by extending both arms horizontally from the body — like a wingspan. A NO-BALL is indicated by extending one arm horizontally at shoulder height. A BYE (runs scored off a ball the batsman didn't hit) is signalled by raising one hand above the head. A LEG BYE (ball deflected off the pad without hitting the bat) is indicated by touching the raised knee with one hand.
Dismissal & Decision Signals
When the umpire raises the index finger of one hand above the head, that's OUT — the single most dramatic moment in umpiring. DEAD BALL (when play must stop immediately — e.g., a lost ball or an injury) is signalled by crossing both wrists below the waist. The umpire signals SHORT RUN (a run not completed properly) by touching a shoulder with the opposite hand.
TV Referral & DRS Signals
When a decision goes to the third umpire (TV official), the on-field umpire forms a rectangle with both thumbs and forefingers — mimicking a television screen. This tells everyone on the ground a referral is in progress. Once the third umpire decides, they relay the decision back, and the on-field umpire either raises a finger (out) or waves an arm to indicate not out.
New Ball Signal
When a fielding team takes the new ball (available after 80 overs in Test cricket), the umpire holds the ball up above their head with one hand — informing the scorers, batters, and broadcast that a fresh ball is now in play.
Why It Matters to Fans
Reading umpire signals transforms your viewing experience. You don't need to wait for the scoreboard to update — a glance at the umpire's hands tells you immediately whether that was a wide, a leg bye, or a clean four. It's one of cricket's most elegant communication systems, unchanged in its essentials for over a century.
Frequently asked questions
What does the umpire signal for a six?
The umpire raises both arms above their head to signal a six — confirmed only when the ball clears the boundary rope on the full (without bouncing).
What is the umpire signal for a wide in cricket?
The umpire extends both arms horizontally from the body — like a wingspan — to signal a wide. This adds one run to the batting team's score and the ball must be bowled again.