Cricket Umpire Signals Explained: Every Hand Signal and What It Means

Cricket umpires communicate match decisions through a standardised set of hand signals — each signal corresponds to a specific outcome and must be acknowledged by the scorers. Umpire signals serve two purposes: (1) to communicate the decision to the scorer (who must record every delivery's outcome accurately); (2) to communicate to spectators and broadcast who may not have heard the umpire's verbal call. All cricket umpire signals are defined in the Laws of Cricket (MCC Laws) and are universally consistent across international and domestic cricket.

Scoring Signals: Four, Six, Byes, Leg-Byes

Signals for runs scored: (1) Four: the umpire waves one arm horizontally from side to side (arm held out, wrist flicking in a sweeping arc). This signals that the ball has reached the boundary along the ground — 4 runs awarded automatically. If the ball reached the boundary after bouncing off a fielder's body, the umpire still signals four (the ball-boundary contact determines the call, not the route); (2) Six: the umpire raises both arms above the head, fingers pointing up. This signals that the ball has cleared the boundary rope in the air — 6 runs awarded. The umpire waits until they confirm the ball cleared the rope before signalling; (3) Byes: the umpire raises one open hand above the head (palm facing away). Signals that the ball passed the batsman and the wicketkeeper without touching the bat, and runs were scored — credited as extras (byes), not to the batsman; (4) Leg-byes: the umpire holds the knee with one hand (touching the knee or thigh). Signals that runs were scored from a deflection off the batsman's body (not the bat). Leg-byes are credited as extras.

Dismissal and Delivery Signals

Dismissal signals: (1) Out: the umpire raises the index finger of the right hand above the head (the iconic 'finger of doom'). This is the signal that the batsman is dismissed — given in response to an appeal ('Howzat?'). If not out, the umpire signals nothing (or shakes their head). Crucially: umpires only signal out after an appeal — they cannot dismiss a batsman without being asked; (2) TV review signal: the umpire draws a large rectangle in the air with both index fingers — signalling that the decision is being referred to the third umpire (via DRS or the on-field umpire's own referral). Delivery signals: (3) Wide: the umpire extends both arms horizontally to the side (cruciform position). Signals that the delivery is ruled a wide — 1 extra awarded, the delivery must be rebowled; (4) No-ball: the umpire extends one arm horizontally forward (toward the batsman's end). Signals that the bowler overstepped or another no-ball infringement occurred — 1 extra awarded, the delivery must be rebowled, and the next ball is a free hit in limited-overs cricket; (5) Dead ball: the umpire crosses both arms below the waist (an X shape). Signals that the ball is dead — no runs can be scored, no dismissal can be given. Used for: ball lodged in a fielder's clothing, batsman leaving the crease before the bowler releases, or any condition requiring the delivery to be nullified.

Short Run and Revoke Signals

Additional umpire signals: (1) Short run: the umpire touches the near shoulder with the near hand (same side as where the short run occurred). Signals that one of the batsmen failed to ground their bat or body behind the crease when turning for a run — the run does not count (deducted from the total runs scored on that delivery). The number of short runs deducted is indicated by the number of hand touches; (2) Revoke last signal: the umpire raises a flat hand and rotates it slowly — signalling that the previous signal was incorrect and should be ignored. Used when the umpire initially signals (e.g., four) but then receives information (from the third umpire, the fielder's report, or evidence) that the signal was wrong. Less common but important for scorers; (3) TV review result: after a DRS review, the third umpire communicates through the on-field umpire. If the original decision stands (overturned): the umpire signals accordingly (raises the finger for out, or waves the finger down for not out). If overturned: the opposite signal. The umpire receives the third umpire's decision through an earpiece.