All about cricket umpire hand signals — Different types and their meaning

Cricket is exciting—but only if you understand what’s going on. For many fans, coaches, or aspiring umpires, one of the biggest confusions is figuring out what each umpire gesture means. Is it a no-ball? A free hit? Or was that signal for a wide?

When you can’t read cricket umpire hand signals, you miss out on the action—and in 2025, with updated ICC guidelines, it’s more important than ever to know exactly what each gesture stands for.

This article gives you a clear, updated look at cricket umpire signals, what each one means, how it’s used, and why it matters. Whether you’re watching, learning, or teaching the game, you’ll come away knowing exactly what the umpire just called—and why.

Why Do Umpires Use Hand Signals in Cricket?

Umpire signals in cricket aren’t just tradition—they’re a necessity. With players spread across the field, fans in the stands, and scorers keeping records, clear cricket umpire hand gestures help everyone stay informed in real time.

These hand signals are standardized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), ensuring that whether you're watching a local T20 or an international Test match, the meanings stay the same.

In 2025, ICC reaffirmed its standard signaling protocol, emphasizing accuracy and visibility for global audiences. This includes enhancements for televised matches and quicker third-umpire reviews, making umpire hand signals with explanation even more relevant today.

Cricket Umpire Signals List  (Primary)

Here’s a full list of official cricket umpire signals as recognized by the ICC in 2025, reflecting the latest rule changes introduced in 2023. We'll break down each signal, gesture, and meaning step-by-step in the sections that follow.

But before we start discussing the meaning of every cricket umpire signal, let’s help you understand how umpires are placed on a cricket field and how their roles are defined. defined.

As a standard practice, you’ll find 2 on-field umpires at two separate locations on the cricket ground. One stands at the striker’s end observing bowling and batting. Another stands at the non-striker’s/bowling end eyeing the stumps and run-outs. And a third umpire sits in front of the TV screen with a replay monitoring system.

Out

Gesture: The umpire raises their index finger straight up in the air.

Meaning: The Out signal is used to indicate that a batter is dismissed. This could be from a catch, LBW, or other legal mode of dismissal. It's one of the most recognized gestures in cricket and part of every standard cricket umpire signals chart.

When It’s Used: Right after an appeal from the fielding team. If the umpire agrees the batter is out, they give the Out signal to inform everyone on the field and off it.

Also Read : Types of Outs in Cricket

No-Ball

Gesture: The umpire extends one arm horizontally to the side.

Meaning: The No-ball signal is shown when a delivery breaks the rules — like overstepping the front crease, bowling a beamer, or delivering a dangerous ball. It alerts the batting team that a run is awarded and a Free Hit may follow, especially in limited-overs formats.

When It’s Used: Given immediately after the delivery, once the umpire identifies the infraction. Even with technology in place, the No-ball signal is still made by the on-field umpire for clarity.

Check : Types of Balls in Cricket

Free Hit

Gesture: The umpire rotates one arm in a circular motion above the head.

Meaning: The Free Hit signal means the batter can’t be dismissed by conventional methods (like bowled or caught) on the next ball. It only follows specific types of no-balls and is now common in T20 and ODI matches.

When It’s Used: Right after a qualifying no-ball is called. The umpire uses the Free Hit signal before the next ball, giving the batter a clear advantage.

Wide Ball

Gesture: The umpire extends both arms horizontally at shoulder height.

Meaning: The Wide ball signal is used when the delivery is too far from the batter to play a normal shot — either too wide or too high. It adds one run to the batting team, and the ball has to be re-bowled.

When It’s Used: Immediately after the delivery, if it clearly misses the batter's reach. The Wide ball signal is crucial in limited-overs cricket, where every extra run counts.

Four Runs

Gesture: The umpire waves one arm back and forth in front of the chest.

Meaning: The Four runs signal indicates that the ball has reached the boundary after touching the ground at least once. It rewards the batting side with four runs, regardless of how many they actually ran.

When It’s Used: As soon as the ball crosses the boundary line after bouncing. The Four runs signal helps scorers and viewers track boundary shots instantly.

Six Runs

Gesture: The umpire raises both arms straight above the head.

Meaning: The Six runs signal means the batter has hit the ball over the boundary on the full. It’s one of the most exciting moments in cricket and often gets the crowd roaring.

When It’s Used: Right after the ball lands beyond the rope without touching the ground. The Six runs signal confirms the maximum score from a single delivery.

Also Read : Cricket Rules and Regulations Every Cricket Player Should Know

Byes

Gesture: The umpire raises one open hand above the head.

Meaning: The Byes signal is used when the ball passes the batter without touching the bat or body, and runs are scored. These runs are added as extras, not to the batter's total.

When It’s Used: After the ball goes past the batter and wicketkeeper, and the batters complete one or more runs. The umpire gives the Byes signal to inform scorers it was not from the bat or body.

Leg Byes

Gesture: The umpire touches a raised knee with one hand.

Meaning: The Leg byes signal indicates that runs have been scored after the ball struck the batter’s body (excluding the hand holding the bat), without hitting the bat. Like byes, these are recorded as extras.

When It’s Used: When the batters take a run after the ball hits the body and the umpire rules that the batter tried to play a shot or avoided the ball legally. The Leg byes signal helps separate it from other run types.

Bouncer

Gesture: The umpire taps their shoulder with one hand.

Meaning: The Bouncer signal is used to warn the bowler that the short-pitched delivery rose too high. In limited-overs cricket, only one bouncer per over is allowed; in Tests, repeated short balls can trigger a warning.

When It’s Used: Immediately after a short delivery passes the batter at head or shoulder height. The umpire gives the Bouncer signal as a formal warning under ICC rules.

Also, Check the types of Duck in Cricket!

Third Umpire

Gesture: The umpire draws a rectangle in the air using both hands, mimicking a TV screen.

Meaning: The Third umpire signal is used when the on-field umpire refers a close or uncertain decision (like a run-out, catch, or boundary check) to the TV umpire. Technology is then used to make the final call.

When It’s Used: Immediately after a close incident where the umpire is unsure. The Third umpire signal lets players and spectators know the final decision will come from video review.

Dead Ball

Gesture: The umpire crosses and uncrosses their wrists below the waist.

Meaning: The Dead ball signal is given when the ball is no longer in play. This can happen for several reasons: the batter isn’t ready, the bowler stops mid-run-up, or after a dismissal.

When It’s Used: As soon as play needs to be paused or nullified. The Dead ball signal ensures no confusion about whether the delivery counts.

Also Read : How to Become a Cricket Umpire

One Short

Gesture: The umpire taps their near shoulder with their fingers.

Meaning: The One short run signal is used when a batter fails to touch the crease line while completing a run. The run is disallowed, and only valid runs are counted.

When It’s Used: After the batters complete a run where one of them didn’t ground their bat or foot behind the crease. The Short run signal tells the scorers to deduct that run.

Penalty Runs

Gesture: The umpire taps one shoulder repeatedly with the opposite hand.

Meaning: The Penalty runs signal awards five runs to the batting or fielding team due to a breach of the rules by the opposition. Reasons include unfair play, ball tampering, or players deliberately distracting the batter.

When It’s Used: Immediately after the infraction is identified. The Penalty runs signal alerts both teams and scorers of the run adjustment.

Cancel Decision

Gesture: The umpire crosses arms in front of the chest, then signals the correct call.

Meaning: The Cancel decision signal is used when the umpire needs to cancel or correct a previous signal. This can happen if the ball was already declared dead or an appeal was withdrawn.

When It’s Used: Right after an error or change of decision is made. The Cancel or Revoke decision signal helps maintain clarity and fairness during play.

Powerplay

Gesture: The umpire moves one arm in a circular motion above the head.

Meaning: The Powerplay signal marks a specific fielding restriction period during limited-overs cricket. Only a certain number of fielders are allowed outside the inner circle during this phase.

When It’s Used: At the start of a designated Powerplay period in ODIs or T20s. The Powerplay signal informs both teams and scorers that special fielding rules are now active.

New Ball

Gesture: The umpire holds the ball above their head with one hand.

Meaning: The New ball signal is used to indicate that the fielding side has opted to take a fresh ball, typically after 80 overs in Test matches. This allows bowlers to generate more pace, bounce, or swing.

When It’s Used: As soon as the bowling side takes the new ball. The New ball signal is made to inform the scorers and viewers of the change.

Last Hour

Gesture: The umpire points to their wrist, mimicking a watch.

Meaning: The Last hour signal marks the start of the final hour of play in a day’s Test match session. It usually means a set number of overs must be bowled, regardless of time.

When It’s Used: Once the final 60 minutes of scheduled play begin. The Last hour signal informs both teams and viewers of the countdown to stumps.

Additional Communication Signals (Less Frequent but Used in Official Play):

Change of Bowler’s End

Gesture: The umpire taps their thigh or points toward the opposite end of the pitch.

Meaning: The Change of bowler’s end signal is used to indicate that the bowler will now deliver from the other end of the pitch. It helps scorers and players prepare for the change in direction.

When It’s Used: At the start of a new over or after an interval when the bowling end switches. The Change of bowler’s end signal ensures no confusion between teams or scorers.

Suspension of Play

Gesture: The umpire crosses both arms above their head.

Meaning: The Suspension of play signal is used to temporarily stop the match—commonly for bad weather, poor light, or an emergency. It informs players, officials, and fans that play has been officially halted.

When It’s Used: Instantly when conditions are deemed unfit for play. The Suspension of play signal stays in effect until conditions improve and the match resumes.

Helmet Removal

Gesture: The umpire taps the top of their head.

Meaning: The Helmet removal signal indicates that a fielder, usually at short-leg or silly point, is removing their protective helmet. This is important for scoring, as penalty runs may apply if the helmet is placed on the field and interferes with play.

When It’s Used: Right after a fielder removes their helmet and sets it on the field. The Helmet removal signal alerts the scorers and ensures the laws related to obstructing field equipment are applied correctly.

Bouncer Warning / Dangerous Bowling

Gesture: The umpire taps their shoulder with one hand.

Meaning: The Bouncer warning signal is issued when a bowler exceeds the allowed number of short-pitched deliveries in an over. In limited-overs formats, one bouncer per over is allowed; exceeding that prompts a warning.

When It’s Used: Immediately after a high bouncer passes the batter. The Bouncer warning signal alerts the bowler and fielding side that further bouncers may lead to penalties.

DLS / Rain Delay Communication

Gesture: No official hand signal, but umpires often point to the sky or toward the scorers’ box.

Meaning: While not a standardized signal, DLS or rain delay communication happens when play is interrupted due to rain or other weather conditions. The DLS method (Duckworth–Lewis–Stern) is then applied for revised targets.

When It’s Used: During or after rain breaks. Umpires may point upward or call over the captain and scorers, signaling that revised conditions or targets are in play using the DLS method.

Soft Signal (Now Phased Out)

Gesture: Previously, the umpire would make a verbal call ("Out" or "Not Out") along with a gesture before sending the decision upstairs.

Meaning: The Soft signal was used during on-field referrals to the third umpire, offering the umpire’s initial judgment when TV evidence was inconclusive.

When It’s Used: It was used during close catches or boundary calls, but the Soft signal was officially removed by ICC in 2023–2024 due to inconsistencies and pressure on umpires.

Pros and Cons of Umpire Hand Signals

Even though they’re a small part of the game, umpire signals carry big importance. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of relying on hand gestures in modern cricket:

Pros:

• Clear Communication: Umpire signals give instant clarity to players, scorers, and fans.
  
• Universal Standard: Thanks to ICC rules, a cricket umpire signal in India means the same as one in Australia.
  
• Essential for Broadcasters: Signals help TV producers sync visuals and commentary in real-time.
  
• Non-verbal Efficiency: No need to stop the game or shout—just one signal does the job.

Cons:

• Misunderstood by New Viewers: Without context, fans may not know what a gesture means.
  
• Human Error: Wrong signal? It can confuse scorers or mislead viewers if not corrected fast.
  
• Limited in Complex Situations: Some rare calls (like unusual dismissals) still need explanation beyond a signal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who uses umpire hand signals?

Primarily, on-field cricket umpires use hand signals to communicate decisions during a match. Scorers, broadcasters, players, and fans rely on these cues to follow the flow of the game.

Why are umpire signals important?

Without these hand gestures, there would be chaos. A simple Wide ball signal or Out signal ensures everyone—on the field and off—knows what’s happening instantly. It keeps the game moving without needing words

How can someone learn them?

Start by watching matches and referring to a cricket umpire signals chart. Coaches, players, and aspiring umpires can also attend certified training sessions or use ICC’s online learning tools.

Are all signals used in every match?

Not always. Some, like the Last hour signal, only appear in Test cricket. Others like the Free Hit signal are common in T20s and ODIs. But all are part of the official ICC system.

Will technology replace umpire hand signals?

Technology supports decisions, but it won’t replace hand signals. The cricket umpire hand gestures remain the fastest and clearest way to communicate during live play.

Conclusion

Understanding cricket umpire signals is like having a front-row seat to the action—no confusion, no guessing. From the classic Out signal to the modern Free Hit and Powerplay gestures, every move the umpire makes tells a story.

Whether you're a hardcore fan, a rising coach, or an aspiring umpire, knowing these signals adds clarity and connection to the game. And with the ICC’s 2025 updates, staying informed keeps you in sync with how cricket is evolving.

Now that you know what each signal means, you won’t just watch the game—you’ll read it in real time.

💬 Over to You

Did you find this guide useful?
Have a favorite signal or a moment where one changed the match?

👇 Drop a comment below, share this with your cricket group, or save it for your next matchday reference. Let’s keep the cricket convo going!