All Cricket Umpire Signals Explained
A complete guide to all ICC cricket umpire signals — what each signal means, when it is used, and why umpires use a standard signal system.
Cricket umpires communicate decisions and events to scorers, players, and spectators through a standardised system of signals. Each signal has a specific meaning — understanding them allows fans to follow the game in real time without needing a commentary feed. Umpire signals are defined in the Laws of Cricket published by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and are internationally standardised.
Scoring Signals
| Signal | Description |
|---|---|
| Four (boundary) | Arm extended sideways, swung back and forth horizontally |
| Six (boundary) | Both arms raised above the head |
| Bye | One arm raised, palm facing away (runs scored without hitting the bat) |
| Leg bye | One hand raised, tapping the knee |
| Wide | Both arms extended horizontally at shoulder height |
| No-ball | One arm extended horizontally |
| Free hit | One arm circled above the head |
| Five runs (penalty) | One hand repeatedly tapping the opposite shoulder |
Decision Signals
| Signal | Description |
|---|---|
| Out (dismissal) | One finger raised above the head |
| Not out | Both hands crossed horizontally in front of the chest |
| Revoke last signal | Touching both shoulders with both hands |
| TV review (DRS) | Drawing a rectangle with index fingers (TV shape) |
| Play (end of drinks break) | Both arms extended downward, palms facing the pitch |
Play/Administrative Signals
Umpires also signal to scorers to confirm decisions: after giving a batsman out, the umpire waits for the scorers to acknowledge the signal before the batsman leaves the field. The 'short run' signal (one arm raised and touched to the shoulder) indicates that a batsman did not complete a run properly and one run is deducted. The 'cancel last signal' (both hands crossed horizontally) is used to revoke a previous signal if the umpire made an error.
Frequently asked questions
Why do umpires raise one finger for dismissal?
Raising one finger (the index finger, pointing upward) is the universal cricket signal for 'out'. The gesture is believed to date from 19th century cricket and became standardised as the game was codified. The single finger is unambiguous — no other signal uses an upward-pointed index finger. The same gesture is used regardless of the type of dismissal (bowled, LBW, caught, etc.).
What signal does the umpire make for a DRS review?
When a review is requested, the umpire makes a TV-screen signal: they use both index fingers to draw a rectangle in the air, representing a television screen. This alerts the third umpire and the match broadcaster to begin the review process. The umpire then awaits communication through their earpiece from the third umpire before announcing the decision with the appropriate out (finger raised) or not out (hands crossed) signal.