What is a “no-ball”?


IPL 2023 Winner

A no-ball is an illegal delivery in cricket, resulting in a penalty against the bowling team. It usually occurs due to one of the following reasons:

  1. Overstepping the Crease: The bowler's front foot crosses the popping crease while delivering the ball.

  2. High Full Toss: A ball bowled above the waist of the batsman without bouncing.

  3. Overarm Throwing: The bowler's arm is not straight while delivering the ball.

  4. More Than Two Bouncers: If more than two bouncers above the shoulder are bowled in an over in limited-overs cricket.

  5. Bowling with More Than Permitted Fielders Outside the Circle: In limited-overs cricket, exceeding the allowed number of fielders outside the inner circle is a no-ball.

  6. Bowler Breaking the Stumps: If the bowler breaks the stumps while delivering the ball.

Penalty for a No-Ball:

  • The batting team is awarded one extra run.

  • The next delivery after a no-ball is a free hit in limited-overs cricket, where the batsman cannot be dismissed in most conventional ways except for a run-out, hitting the ball twice, or obstructing the field.