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Free hit

In , a free hit is a in limited-overs formats such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), awarded immediately after a bowler delivers a , allowing the facing batsman to attempt a scoring shot with reduced risk of dismissal. The rule penalizes the bowling side by limiting the ways the batsman can be out on the free hit delivery—specifically, the striker cannot be dismissed for , , (LBW), , or hit wicket, though run outs, , handling the ball, or hitting the ball twice remain possible; in 2023, the amended the rule so that batters may complete and be credited for runs if the ball hits the stumps during a free hit (effective 1 June 2023). The signals a free hit by extending one arm upwards and rotating it in a circular motion after calling the , and if the free hit itself is a or wide, another free hit follows. The free hit rule was first trialed during the in and formally introduced for ODIs by the () in October 2007, initially applying only to foot-fault no-balls to discourage overstepping and add excitement to the game. It debuted prominently during the in , where it was trialed to enhance the format's aggressive batting style. In 2015, the expanded the rule to cover all types of no-balls, including those for height, fielding restrictions, or back-foot faults, making it a more comprehensive deterrent against bowling errors. This innovation has significantly influenced limited-overs by encouraging bowlers to be precise and rewarding batsmen with opportunities for boundary hits without fear of routine dismissals, thereby increasing scoring rates and match unpredictability. The does not apply to Test matches, preserving the traditional balance in longer formats, and fielding restrictions prevent excessive rearrangements between the and free hit unless the batsman changes ends.

Definition and Application

What is a Free Hit

In limited-overs , a free hit is a bowled immediately following a , during which the batsman cannot be dismissed except for (either batsman), , handling the ball, or hitting the ball twice. This rule applies exclusively to One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Internationals (T20Is), where it replaces the next legal delivery and allows the batting side a low-risk opportunity to score runs. In contrast, the free hit is not part of Test cricket's playing conditions, as the format emphasizes prolonged play without such penalties. The primary purpose of the free hit is to impose a stricter penalty on the side for a , thereby discouraging such errors and enhancing the game's fairness in time-constrained formats. Introduced to address frequent , it has proven effective in reducing their occurrence by heightening the consequences for the fielding team. Any runs scored off the free hit are added to the batting team's total, and if the free hit itself results in another or wide, the subsequent delivery becomes the next free hit. Mechanically, the free hit integrates seamlessly into the over, with the signaling it after the to alert players and spectators. This provision underscores the rule's role in balancing risk and reward, enabling batsmen to adopt aggressive without fear of common dismissals like bowled or caught.

When a Free Hit is Awarded

A free hit is awarded in following the bowler's delivery of a , as defined under Clause 21.19 of the Playing Conditions for limited-overs formats. This applies to all modes of , including a front-foot where any part of the bowler's front foot lands on or over the popping crease (Clause 21.5), a back-foot in cases of overstepping from behind the crease, a high where the ball reaches the batter at waist height or above without having touched the ground (Clause 21.10). The rule is implemented in all limited-overs international matches, such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), where it provides one free hit per incident to penalize the bowling side. It is also adopted in most domestic limited-overs leagues, including the (IPL), which follows guidelines for no-ball penalties and free hit awards. The free hit delivery occurs as the immediate next ball after the no-ball, with the batter facing it protected from most forms of dismissal. If the no-ball is bowled as the last delivery of an over, the free hit is carried over to the first delivery of the subsequent over, ensuring the penalty is not lost due to the over's end.

Rules During Free Hit

Batsman Dismissal Protections

During a free hit delivery in limited-overs cricket, the striker benefits from significant protections against dismissal, designed to penalize the bowling side for the preceding no-ball without unfairly ending the batsman's innings prematurely. Specifically, the striker cannot be out bowled, caught, leg before wicket (LBW), stumped, or hit wicket, as these modes of dismissal are explicitly prohibited under the rules governing free hits, mirroring the restrictions on a no-ball itself. The only ways the striker can be dismissed on a free hit are , , , or . These exceptions maintain some accountability for the batting side, particularly for actions that could unfairly influence play, while applies regardless of whether the batsmen attempt to run. The non-striker remains fully subject to standard dismissal rules, including , ensuring the protection is limited to the facing batsman. These protections are confined strictly to the free hit ; if the batsmen complete runs or the ball remains in play leading to subsequent actions, normal dismissal rules resume unless another is bowled, which would trigger a new free hit. This targeted immunity encourages aggressive batting without eliminating all risk, as evidenced by instances where run outs have ended on free hits despite the safeguards.

Scoring Opportunities

On a free hit delivery, any runs scored off the bat, including boundaries such as fours and sixes, are credited to the batter's score and the team's total in the standard manner. Byes, leg byes, and additional runs from overthrows are also valid and added to the team's total, following the usual scoring protocols for these extras. These scoring mechanics encourage aggressive batting, as the protections against most dismissals allow batters to play shots without the usual risk of losing their wicket. A key amendment introduced by the () in 2023 clarified the handling of runs when the ball hits the stumps on a free hit. Effective from the 2023 World Test Championship final, if the delivery would have resulted in a dismissal under normal circumstances but strikes the stumps during a free hit, the batters may attempt and complete any runs taken, which are then awarded as runs to the batter's score and added to the team's total. This change ensures that such scenarios contribute to scoring opportunities rather than ending the play immediately. The one-run penalty for the original no-ball that triggered the free hit is awarded separately as an extra and does not form part of the free hit scoring. However, if the free hit delivery itself is called a wide or another , additional penalties apply as per the relevant rules, and the subsequent ball becomes another free hit. Boundaries scored on a free hit remain fully legitimate and cannot be overturned due to the dismissal protections in place.

Fielding and Bowling Restrictions

Fielder Position Changes

In limited-overs governed by the (), fielder position changes are strictly restricted during the free hit delivery to preserve the batting side's advantage following a . Specifically, neither field changes nor the exchange of individuals between fielding positions are permitted for free hit deliveries. This restriction applies between the delivery and the subsequent free hit, unless certain exceptions occur. Fielders may reposition if there is a change of , such as when the batters cross ends after scoring runs off the . Additionally, adjustments are allowed solely to correct a fielding restriction that caused the original , limited to rectifying the violation without broader tactical shifts. Umpires enforce these rules to ensure compliance, with unauthorized position changes resulting in the free hit delivery being called a , awarding an additional and triggering another free hit. The intent of these restrictions is to maintain fairness by preventing the fielding side from gaining tactical advantages through repositioning, thereby upholding the penalty's purpose of compensating the batter for the no-ball infraction.

Bowler Delivery Requirements

The free hit delivery must constitute a fair delivery under the , meaning it cannot be called as a or wide for the free hit to be validly executed; if the bowler oversteps the crease, delivers above waist height, or bowls outside the wide lines, the delivery is deemed invalid, resulting in the award of an additional free hit on the subsequent ball. In such cases, the invalid delivery is treated as a , with one run added to the batting team's score by default, and the over's ball count remains unaffected unless it was the final delivery of the over. The same bowler who bowled the preceding must deliver the free hit, ensuring continuity in the bowling attack; this rule applies regardless of the over's progression, which continues normally after the free hit unless the no-ball occurred on the last , in which case the over is completed without adding an extra delivery. As of November 2025, technological aids such as front-foot sensors for detection and smart bails for stumping and decisions—both possible on free hits—have been integrated into major limited-overs matches, including international events and domestic leagues like the IPL, to enhance accuracy in umpiring decisions related to deliveries and dismissals. The core bowler requirements—such as landing within the return crease and keeping the below height—remain unchanged. If the free hit delivery is invalid due to a or wide, an additional penalty of one run is awarded to the batting side, and the free hit sequence extends to the next delivery, potentially chaining multiple free hits until a fair delivery is bowled.

Umpire Signals and Procedures

Signaling the Free Hit

In , the primary signal for a free hit is performed by the bowler's end , who, immediately after signaling a by extending one arm horizontally with fingers extended, extends the same arm straight upwards and rotates it in a above the head. This distinctive gesture, often described as a "lasso" motion, clearly distinguishes the impending free hit delivery from standard play. The signal is issued at the moment the ball becomes dead following the call, ensuring it occurs before the bowler begins the run-up for the subsequent . This timing allows the fielding team to adjust positions if permitted, while informing the batter of the protected ahead. The maintains the visibility of the signal as necessary to confirm awareness among all players, particularly fielders who may need to reposition. This protocol forms part of the standard () playing conditions for limited-overs formats, including One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, and has been consistently applied in international matches since the free hit rule's introduction in 2007. Major domestic competitions, such as those governed by full ICC member nations, adopt these signals to maintain uniformity across professional play.

Handling Consecutive No-Balls

When the as a free hit results in another or wide, the original free hit does not satisfy the rule's requirement, and an additional free hit is awarded for the following legitimate . This creates a chain of free hits that persists until a valid, non-penalized is executed, ensuring the batting side receives the protected opportunity intended by the rule. Should this sequence occur toward the end of an over, any unresolved free hit obligation carries over to the commencement of the next over, with the chain potentially extending further if subsequent also qualify as no-balls or wides. Umpires manage this by first signaling the —extending one arm horizontally at shoulder height—followed immediately by the free hit indication, achieved by raising the same arm overhead and rotating it in a circular motion; these signals are repeated for each infraction in the sequence. Each in the chain awards the batting team one , added cumulatively to the extras regardless of runs scored off the bat or other outcomes, while wides similarly attract their standard penalty without interrupting the free hit progression. interventions via the (DRS) assist in verifying no-ball calls, improving precision during international matches, though on-field umpires continue to perform manual signaling to communicate the status to players and scorers.

History and Evolution

Introduction of the Rule

The free hit rule made its debut in domestic English limited-overs cricket in 2007, where it was trialed during the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Friends Provident Trophy competition. This trial marked the initial experimental phase of the rule, allowing umpires to award a free hit following a no-ball, providing batsmen with an opportunity to score without the risk of most dismissals on the subsequent delivery. The rule's success in domestic play prompted its rapid international adoption by the (), which approved it in June 2007 for One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), effective from the tournament in September. The rule was first used in an international match during the , with South African batsman facing the inaugural free hit on September 20, 2007, against . Initially limited to foot-fault no-balls—specifically front-foot oversteps—the free hit aimed to impose a stricter penalty on bowlers to reduce the growing incidence of such errors, while enhancing the excitement of shorter formats by offering batsmen a low-risk scoring chance. This batsman-friendly adjustment was part of broader efforts to balance the game in limited-overs , where no-balls had become more frequent due to the pressures of faster-paced play. The rule's appeal led to swift uptake beyond international fixtures, spreading to prominent T20 leagues such as the (IPL), which incorporated it from its inaugural 2008 season to align with standards and promote aggressive batting. Subsequent expansions to encompass additional types built on this foundation, further refining the rule's application.

Key Amendments and Expansions

In 2015, the () expanded the free hit rule to apply to all types of in international limited-overs , rather than solely front-foot , aiming to penalize bowling errors more consistently across formats like and T20Is. This change, effective from July 5, 2015, was outlined in updates to Clause 24.2 of the ODI Playing Conditions, ensuring a free hit follows any mode, including back-foot or height violations. A significant clarification came in 2023, when the amended the rule to credit runs scored by batters to their personal tally if the ball hits the stumps during a free hit delivery, rather than awarding them as byes, while maintaining that the batter cannot be dismissed for being . This adjustment, implemented from June 1, 2023, addressed ambiguities in run attribution for scenarios where the ball deflects off the stumps after missing the bat, promoting fairness in scoring without altering dismissal protections. In 2025, the began testing advanced technology for detection in international matches, including front-foot and back-foot sensors, to enhance accuracy in triggering free hits, though the core mechanics of the rule remained unchanged. These tools, such as third-umpire-assisted reviews using ball-tracking systems, support Clause 21.5 of the playing conditions but do not modify free hit eligibility or outcomes. Domestic leagues have adopted the free hit rule, incorporating expansions to align with ICC standards.

Impact on the Game

Strategic Advantages

The free hit rule fundamentally alters the batting mindset by allowing batsmen to play aggressive shots without the fear of dismissal via common methods such as , , or , thereby encouraging premeditated big hits like sixes and boundaries. This reduced risk enables batsmen to target predictable bowler lengths, such as yorkers, with high-reward maneuvers like lap sweeps or lofted drives, shifting the focus from survival to maximization of runs on that delivery. Bowlers respond with heightened caution to avoid no-balls, often opting for safer, fuller-length deliveries like yorkers—used in over 50% of free-hit balls by top T20 pacers—to minimize damage, though this predictability can backfire against prepared batsmen. Fielders, in turn, adopt more conservative placements, such as keeping a fine leg inside the circle, to counter these tactics, which limits protection but pressures the unit overall. In T20 cricket, the free hit integrates into broader team strategies by elevating scoring rates, with an average of 2.15 runs scored off the delivery itself plus the penalty, totaling 3.15 extra runs per occurrence. This boosts totals in limited-overs formats, as free hits yield a of 12.54 per over since 2008 (as of 2019)—significantly higher than standard deliveries—and compels captains to rethink field restrictions and bowler rotations to mitigate the momentum swing. Overall, the rule enhances game flow by injecting excitement through high-stakes aggression, contributing to elevated run rates and closer contests in T20s, where the potential for boundary-heavy overs disrupts bowling plans and favors dynamic team adaptations.

Notable Examples and Statistics

One of the most memorable instances in T20 occurred during the 2007 match between and , where hit six consecutive sixes off in the 19th over, all legal deliveries, helping India post 218/4, the highest total in T20Is at the time. In the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super 12 clash between and at , was bowled off a free hit delivery from Mohammad Nawaz in the final over, but the dismissal was not upheld as is not a valid mode of dismissal on a free hit. The batsmen ran three byes as the ball raced to the , contributing to India's thrilling four-wicket victory while chasing 160; this incident highlighted the rule's application to byes and extras. A notable controversy arose from the same 2022 India-Pakistan match, where the three byes awarded after Kohli's apparent dismissal on the free hit sparked debate over whether the ball should have been deemed , potentially nullifying the runs; former players like and Mark Taylor criticized the ruling, arguing it provided an unfair advantage, though umpires upheld the decision per playing conditions. Rare cases of consecutive free hits have led to high-scoring passages, such as in the 2008 tri-series between and in , where bowled three no-balls in succession, resulting in free hits that allowed and to score a six and a four respectively, contributing to India's competitive total of 166. Another example is in the 2015 series against , where he hit a no-ball for six and followed with another six on the ensuing free hit, exemplifying the aggressive exploitation of back-to-back opportunities. Statistics indicate that free hits significantly boost scoring rates. In ODIs, the average runs scored per free hit stands at 1.9, with singles or dot balls as the most common outcomes, though boundaries occur frequently enough to alter match momentum. In T20Is, free hits yield an average of approximately 2.09 runs per delivery (based on a 12.54 runs-per-over rate since , as of ), underscoring their higher impact in shorter formats. In the IPL 2025 season, which concluded in June 2025, free hits played a role in the league's record-breaking boundary counts, with teams like conceding 12 free hits—the highest—amid a 37% increase in overall sixes compared to 2024, influencing aggressive strategies in playoffs.

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