No Ball Rules in Cricket: Understanding the Infractions and Penalties
The no ball rule is one of the fundamental laws of cricket and governs illegal deliveries made by the bowler. When a no ball is called, it not only gives the batting side an additional run but also grants the batsman a free hit in limited-overs cricket, significantly altering the dynamics of the match. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of no balls, how they are penalized, and how they can influence the outcome of a game.
What Is a No Ball in Cricket?
A no ball occurs when the bowler breaks one of several rules regarding their delivery. The most common form of no ball happens when the bowler oversteps the popping crease, delivering the ball from too far forward. However, there are other infractions, such as dangerous short-pitched deliveries, bowling above waist height, or delivering an illegal underarm ball.
When a no ball is called, the batting team is awarded an extra run (or more in some formats), and the ball does not count toward the over. In limited-overs cricket, the next delivery after a no ball is a free hit, meaning the batsman cannot be dismissed by any mode except a run out.
Types of No Balls
There are several different types of no balls in cricket, each with its own cause and specific penalty. Let’s explore the most common types:
1. Front Foot No Ball
The most frequent no ball in cricket is the front foot no ball, which occurs when the bowler’s front foot lands beyond the popping crease as they deliver the ball. To be legal, some part of the bowler’s front foot must remain behind the line when the ball is released. Front foot no balls are closely monitored using technology in professional matches, including TV replays and automated systems.
2. Height No Ball
A height no ball is called when the ball is delivered above the batsman’s waist (in limited-overs cricket) without bouncing. The law dictates that any full toss that passes above waist height when the batsman is standing upright is an illegal delivery. Height no balls are dangerous because they can cause injury to the batsman, especially from fast bowlers.
3. Overarm and Underarm No Ball
In the modern game, underarm bowling is not allowed in international cricket. If a bowler delivers the ball underarm without prior agreement with the batsmen and umpires, it is called a no ball. Historically, underarm bowling was common, but the laws have evolved to ban it in competitive matches.
4. Overstepping the Crease with Both Feet
A less common type of no ball occurs when the bowler oversteps with both feet outside the return crease. This can happen when a bowler veers too far away from the stumps during their run-up, and it’s a clear breach of the laws.
5. Dangerous Bowling (Bouncers)
Another type of no ball is called for dangerous or unfair bowling, such as excessive bouncers. In limited-overs cricket, bowlers are allowed a maximum of one bouncer (a short-pitched ball that passes the batsman above shoulder height) per over. If they bowl more than this, it is called a no ball. In Test cricket, there are slightly different rules around the number of bouncers permitted, but excessive bouncers are penalized with no ball calls.
Penalties for a No Ball
The penalties for a no ball vary slightly between formats but generally include:
1. Extra Runs
Every no ball results in the batting team being awarded an extra run. This is added to the score automatically, and the ball must be re-bowled.
2. Free Hit (Limited-Overs Cricket)
In ODIs and T20s, the delivery following a no ball is a free hit, meaning the batsman cannot be dismissed by any mode other than a run out. Free hits are a great scoring opportunity for the batting team, as the bowler is forced to bowl the next delivery without any margin for error. The only dismissal that can occur off a free hit is a run out, giving the batsman full freedom to attack the ball.
3. Warnings and Suspension
If a bowler continues to bowl no balls—especially dangerous deliveries like high full tosses or excessive bouncers—the umpire can issue a warning or even suspend the bowler from further participation in the innings. Dangerous bowling, particularly when it risks injury to the batsman, is not tolerated, and repeat offenders face match suspensions.
How No Balls Affect a Match
No balls can have a significant impact on a match, especially in limited-overs cricket, where each ball is vital. Here’s how they affect the game:
1. Momentum Shift
No balls can shift the momentum of a match, especially if they occur at crucial moments. A free hit gives the batting team an opportunity to attack without the risk of being dismissed, which can result in a flurry of runs. A well-timed no ball can also break the bowler’s rhythm and give the batting side a psychological advantage.
2. Extra Deliveries
Because a no ball must be re-bowled, it increases the number of deliveries in an over. This can be costly for the bowling side, as it gives the batting team more opportunities to score runs. It also tires out the bowler, who has to deliver more balls than they anticipated.
3. Pressure on the Bowler
Bowlers who bowl frequent no balls often face increased pressure from their captain and teammates to correct their technique. A few no balls can be enough to destabilize a bowler’s performance, especially in high-stakes matches where every delivery matters. This can lead to further errors and loss of control.
Famous No Ball Incidents in Cricket History
No balls have played a part in several famous cricketing moments, some of which have changed the course of matches. Here are a couple of notable incidents:
1. Lasith Malinga’s Overstepping in the 2012 T20 World Cup
Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga bowled a no ball in the final over of the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final, which gave the West Indies a free hit. The resulting free hit allowed the West Indies to increase their score, eventually winning the match and going on to claim the championship.
2. Jasprit Bumrah’s No Ball in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final
In the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah bowled a critical no ball that resulted in a reprieve for Pakistan’s batsman Fakhar Zaman, who had been caught out. Zaman went on to score a match-winning century, and Pakistan won the final convincingly.
Conclusion
The no ball rule is designed to ensure fair play and safety in cricket. While it may seem like a small infraction, no balls can have a profound impact on a match, especially when they lead to free hits or extra runs. Understanding the different types of no balls and the penalties associated with them is essential for players, captains, and fans. To further explore how no balls and other infractions affect the game, check out our Penalty Runs Calculator and see how these penalties influence match outcomes.