What Is the Free Hit Rule in Cricket? ICC Rules, History & Dismissals

A Free Hit in cricket is a special opportunity given to the batter after a No Ball. On this delivery, the batter gets a major advantage because they cannot be dismissed in the usual ways such as bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket. As a result, batters usually play aggressive shots without worrying about losing their wicket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the Free Hit rule for the first time in 2007. Initially, it applied only to front-foot no balls, but in 2015, the rule was extended to all types of no balls. The main purpose of this rule is to punish bowlers for bowling illegal deliveries while giving batters an extra advantage.

Today, the Free Hit rule plays an important role in ODIs, T20Is, and major franchise leagues around the world. The rule has produced many memorable moments, with power hitters smashing huge sixes and several controversial incidents occurring during the final overs of matches.

In this article, we will explain everything about the Free Hit rule, including the official ICC and MCC regulations, its history, the major rule changes over the years, and how the rule is applied in modern cricket.

What is the Free Hit Rule?

A Free Hit is a special delivery awarded after a No Ball in limited-overs cricket. According to the ICC Playing Conditions, any type of No Ball results in the next delivery being declared a Free Hit. As soon as the bowler bowls a No Ball, the umpire signals a Free Hit by rotating one hand in a circular motion above the head.

On a Free Hit delivery, the batter enjoys special protection. They cannot be dismissed by the usual methods such as bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket. However, the batter can still be dismissed in certain situations, including run out, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. This allows the batter to play attacking shots freely without worrying about losing their wicket.

For example, if a bowler delivers a front-foot No Ball, the next ball becomes a Free Hit. Even if the batter is caught or bowled on that delivery, they are not out. If the Free Hit delivery is also a No Ball or a Wide, the following delivery will again be a Free Hit. This continues until a legal delivery is bowled.

ICC and MCC Rules for Free Hit

Under Clause 21.19 of the ICC Playing Conditions, the Free Hit rule is applicable in limited-overs cricket. The key provisions of the rule are as follows:

1. When is a Free Hit Awarded?

Any type of No Ball results in the next delivery being a Free Hit. Earlier, the rule applied only to front-foot No Balls, but since 2015, it has been extended to all types of No Balls, including waist-high full tosses.

2. What is the Umpire's Signal?

The umpire first signals a No Ball by extending one arm horizontally. After that, the umpire signals a Free Hit by rotating one hand in a circular motion above the head.

3. How Can a Batter Be Dismissed on a Free Hit?

On a Free Hit, only the dismissal methods that apply to a No Ball remain valid. This means the batter can only be dismissed by run out, obstructing the field (including handling the ball), or hitting the ball twice.

The batter cannot be dismissed by bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket. Even if the batter is bowled or caught, the ball remains live, and any runs scored still count for the batting team.

4. Can the Fielding Side Change Its Field Placement?

If the same batter remains on strike after the No Ball, the fielding side is generally not allowed to change its field setting before the Free Hit. However, field changes are permitted if the batters change ends by taking runs on the No Ball or if the No Ball was called due to an illegal fielding restriction. The wicketkeeper may also move back if required for safety.

5. Can the Bowler Be Changed?

The same bowler bowls the Free Hit delivery and may choose to bowl either pace or spin. However, the standard rule that a bowler cannot bowl consecutive overs remains unchanged.

6. Can There Be Consecutive Free Hits?

Yes. If the Free Hit delivery is also a No Ball or a Wide, the following delivery will again be a Free Hit. This continues until a legal delivery is bowled.

7. What Happens if the Free Hit is a Wide?

If the bowler bowls a Wide during a Free Hit, it is treated as another illegal delivery. As a result, the next ball is also a Free Hit.

8. Is the Free Hit Rule Included in the MCC Laws?

The Free Hit rule is specifically included in the ICC Playing Conditions and is not directly mentioned in the MCC Laws of Cricket. However, MCC Laws 21 and 41 make it clear that on a No Ball, a batter can only be dismissed by run out, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. The same dismissal rules apply during a Free Hit.

History of the Free Hit Rule – Major Changes

Year / Period	Major Change
October 2007	The ICC introduced the Free Hit rule for the first time in ODI cricket. At the time, it applied only to front-foot No Balls.
2008–2009	The Free Hit rule was introduced in T20 cricket, including major tournaments such as the IPL and the T20 World Cup. However, it was still limited to front-foot No Balls.
July 2015	The ICC made a major change by extending the Free Hit rule to all types of No Balls, including waist-high full tosses and other illegal deliveries.
2017–2022	Although the ICC Playing Conditions underwent several updates during this period, no changes were made to the Free Hit rule itself. Only related regulations were clarified.
June 2025	The ICC introduced a new trial rule for waist-high full tosses. However, there was no change to the rule that awards a Free Hit after a No Ball. The Free Hit rule continues to apply only in limited-overs cricket.

Why Was the Free Hit Rule Introduced?

The ICC introduced the Free Hit rule for several important reasons. From reducing illegal bowling to giving batters a fair advantage, the rule has played a significant role in limited-overs cricket.

1. To Prevent Illegal Bowling: Earlier, the only penalty for bowling a No Ball was one extra run. Some bowlers would deliberately bowl No Balls to put pressure on the batter. The introduction of the Free Hit made the punishment much stricter. As a result, bowlers have become more careful to avoid bowling No Balls.

2. To Give Batters an Extra Advantage: The ICC believed that awarding just one extra run was not enough compensation for the batting side. Therefore, it introduced the Free Hit after a No Ball. Since the batter cannot be dismissed by the usual methods on a Free Hit, they get the freedom to play aggressive shots without fear.

3. To Make Matches More Exciting: Free Hit deliveries often produce big sixes, boundaries, and game-changing moments, making matches more thrilling for fans. The rule has also helped make cricket more entertaining and attractive to watch.

4. To Improve Bowling Discipline: The Free Hit rule encourages bowlers to bowl with greater discipline. A No Ball not only gives the batting team an extra run but also provides the batter with a favorable next delivery. This has reduced rule violations and encouraged bowlers to be more accurate with every ball.

When Do Consecutive Free Hits Occur?

If the Free Hit delivery is also not a legal ball meaning it is called a No Ball or a Wide the following delivery is also awarded as a Free Hit. This continues until the bowler delivers a legal ball.

Example:

• The bowler bowls a front-foot No Ball – the next delivery is a Free Hit.
• The Free Hit delivery is also a No Ball (for example, a waist-high full toss) – another Free Hit is awarded.
• If the next delivery is a Wide, the following ball is again a Free Hit.

How Can a Batter Be Dismissed on a Free Hit? 

Mode of Dismissal	Out on a Free Hit?	Explanation
Bowled	No	Even if the ball hits the stumps, the batter is not out. Any runs scored or byes are added to the team's total.
Caught	No	Even if a fielder takes the catch, the batter is not out. The ball remains live.
LBW	No	LBW does not apply on a Free Hit.
Stumped	No	The batter cannot be stumped, even if they are outside the crease.
Hit Wicket	No	The batter is not out even if they dislodge the stumps themselves.
Run Out	Yes	The batter can be run out under the normal Laws of Cricket while attempting a run.
Obstructing the Field	Yes	The batter is out if they deliberately obstruct the fielding side.
Hit the Ball Twice	Yes	The batter is out if they hit the ball twice on the same delivery.

Technology Used During a Free Hit

Modern technology is used in cricket to ensure that Free Hit decisions are as accurate as possible. When a bowler delivers a No Ball, the TV Umpire and multiple camera systems check whether the delivery is legal. Only after this verification does the on-field umpire signal a Free Hit. Technology is also used to review incidents such as run-outs, boundaries, and other events that occur during a Free Hit.

Although a batter cannot be dismissed by bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket on a Free Hit, technologies such as Hawk-Eye and UltraEdge help match officials make accurate decisions and allow broadcasters to analyze and display the ball's path for viewers.

Technologies Used During a Free Hit

• Hawk-Eye Ball Tracking
• UltraEdge / Snickometer
• High-Speed Cameras
• TV Umpire (Third Umpire)
• Front-Foot No Ball Detection System
• Ball Tracking System
• Multiple Broadcast Camera Angles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Free Hit in cricket?

A Free Hit is a special delivery awarded after a No Ball. On this ball, the batter cannot be dismissed by the usual methods such as bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket. The rule was introduced in 2007 and was extended to all types of No Balls in 2015.

2. When is a Free Hit awarded?

A Free Hit is awarded after any type of No Ball. If the Free Hit delivery is also a No Ball or a Wide, the following delivery is also a Free Hit.

3. Can a batter be bowled or caught out on a Free Hit?

No. If the batter is bowled or caught on a Free Hit, they are not out. The ball remains live, and the batting side can still score runs.

4. How can a batter be dismissed on a Free Hit?

A batter can only be dismissed by run out, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. All other common modes of dismissal do not apply on a Free Hit.

5. What happens if the Free Hit delivery is a Wide?

If the bowler delivers a Wide or another No Ball during a Free Hit, the next delivery is also a Free Hit.

6. Can the fielding side change its field setting before a Free Hit?

Generally, no. However, field changes are allowed if the batters change ends by taking runs on the No Ball or if the No Ball was called because of an illegal fielding restriction.

7. What happens if the ball hits the stumps on a Free Hit?

Even if the ball hits the stumps, the batter is not out. The ball remains live, and if it reaches the boundary, the batting team can also score byes.

8. Is the Free Hit rule used in Test cricket?

No. The Free Hit rule applies only in ODIs, T20Is, and other limited-overs competitions. It is not used in Test cricket.

9. Why was the Free Hit rule introduced?

The rule was introduced to punish bowlers for bowling No Balls, give batters an additional advantage, and make matches more exciting.

10. If the bowler changes after a No Ball, does the Free Hit still apply?

Yes. Even if a different bowler bowls the next delivery after a No Ball, it is still a Free Hit. The rule applies to the delivery, not to the bowler.

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