Laws update
No-balls and free hits explained
A front-foot no-ball in white-ball cricket brings a free hit. Here is what the batter can and can't be out to, and when byes count.
Updated 29 Sept 2026
In international white-ball cricket, a front-foot no-ball (overstepping the crease) gives the batting side one run plus a free hit on the next ball.
On a free hit
- The batter cannot be out bowled, caught, LBW or stumped.
- They can still be run out, or out for things like obstructing the field or hitting the ball twice.
- If the next ball is also illegal (a wide or another no-ball), the free hit carries on to the following ball.
Byes off the stumps
If the ball hits the stumps on a free hit and the batters run, those runs count as byes. The batter isn't out, so running is allowed.
Fielders can't change positions
The fielders who were in place for the no-ball must stay put for the free hit, unless the batter changes ends, or a new batter comes in and faces.
Official source: icc-cricket.com ↗
This is a plain-language club summary for learning. For match decisions, the official ICC Playing Conditions and MCC Laws of Cricket apply.