Free Hit in Cricket — What It Is, Rules & When It Applies
A free hit is a delivery on which the batsman cannot be dismissed by most methods. Learn when it's triggered, what dismissals are still allowed, and how it changed white-ball cricket.
A free hit is a special delivery awarded to the batting team after a no-ball from an overstepping bowler. On a free hit, the batsman can only be dismissed run out — they cannot be caught, bowled, LBW, stumped, or dismissed by any other method. The free hit was introduced to penalise bowlers more harshly for no-balls and to reward batsmen with a low-risk big-hitting opportunity.
Which no-balls trigger a free hit?
A free hit is ONLY triggered by a front-foot no-ball (when the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease). Other types of no-balls — such as a high full toss, a ball bouncing over shoulder height, or too many fielders outside the circle — do NOT earn a free hit. This distinction is important: only the front foot overstepping gives the free hit.
T20 vs ODI vs Test
| Format | Free hit after front-foot no-ball? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T20 (all) | Yes | Introduced in T20Is; also applies in franchise T20s (IPL, BBL, etc.) |
| ODI | Yes | Introduced in 2015 ICC rule update |
| Test | No | No free hits in Test cricket; no-ball gives an extra run only |
How to identify a free hit
The umpire signals a free hit by twirling one finger in a circular motion above their head after calling no-ball. On TV broadcasts, a graphic typically appears on screen. The crowd also usually recognises the moment because the batsman can swing hard without risk of most dismissals.
What dismissals ARE allowed on a free hit?
Despite the protection of a free hit, the batsman CAN still be dismissed by run out on a free hit delivery. If the batsmen attempt a run and the fielding team breaks the wicket before the batsman reaches the crease, the batsman is out regardless of the free hit status. This rule encourages batsmen to be bold on free hits but not reckless when running between wickets.
Free hit run out scenario
MS Dhoni receives a free hit in the 19th over. He slog-sweeps the ball to midwicket, calls for a run. The fielder gathers and throws down the stumps with Dhoni short of his ground. Even though it is a free hit, Dhoni is OUT — run out is still valid on a free hit delivery.
Tactical impact
The free hit has changed the risk calculus of T20 bowling. A bowler who no-balls in the death overs gives away not only a free run but a delivery where the batsman has almost nothing to lose. This creates a significant psychological burden on bowlers: the cost of a front-foot no-ball at a critical moment can be a hit for 6 with no wicket possibility. It has driven bowling coaches to emphasise precise crease management.
Field restriction on a free hit
On a free hit delivery, the fielding team must keep the SAME fielding positions as they had on the no-ball that triggered it. The captain cannot bring fielders in or move them before the free hit is bowled. This prevents the fielding team from placing a defensive field for the inevitable power shot.
Frequently asked questions
What is a free hit in cricket?
A free hit is a delivery after a front-foot no-ball in T20 and ODI cricket on which the batsman can only be dismissed run out. The batsman cannot be bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or dismissed by most other methods.
Does a high full toss no-ball give a free hit?
No. A high full toss (above the waist) is a no-ball and earns an extra run, but it does NOT trigger a free hit. Only a front-foot no-ball (overstepping the popping crease) gives a free hit.
Is there a free hit in Test cricket?
No. Free hits do not exist in Test cricket. A no-ball in Tests gives the batting team one extra run and a re-bowl, but the next delivery carries no special protection from dismissal.
Can you be dismissed on a free hit?
Yes — by run out. If the batsmen attempt a run on a free hit delivery and the fielding team breaks the stumps before a batsman reaches the crease, they are out. No other form of dismissal is valid on a free hit.