Cracking the Mystery of Cricket Umpire Calls (What’s Really Going On ?)

Cricket umpire calls are the official signals and decisions made by umpires that keep the game fair and organized. Whether it’s a “wide ball,” “no ball,” or the famous “umpire’s call” during a review, these signals play a key role in every match. Knowing the different types of umpire calls helps fans, especially beginners, understand the game better and follow the action closely. So, if you’ve ever been confused by an umpire raising a finger or stretching their arms, this guide will clear it all up. Let’s dive into the world of cricket umpire calls.

Cricket umpire calls are signals and decisions made by the on-field umpires to enforce the rules of the game. These calls help maintain fairness and clarify decisions for both players and fans. From signaling a “no ball” to making crucial DRS decisions, umpires play a vital role in every match.

What Do Cricket Umpire Signals Say?

·  Out – The umpire raises one finger straight up to declare the batter out.

·  Not Out – The umpire shakes their head or keeps both hands down to deny an appeal.

·  Wide Ball – The umpire extends both arms horizontally to signal a delivery too wide for the batter.

·  No Ball – The umpire raises one arm horizontally to signal an illegal delivery.

·  Dead Ball – The umpire crosses both arms in front of their waist.

·  Leg Bye – The umpire touches one knee with their hand to indicate runs scored off the batter’s leg or body.

·  Bye – The umpire raises one hand above their head with an open palm.

·  Free Hit – The umpire circles one hand above their head to indicate the next ball is a free hit.

·  Short Run – The umpire taps their shoulder with one hand to signal an incomplete run.

·  Powerplay Signal – It’s similar to the freehit signal. The umpire circles one hand over their head to indicate fielding restrictions.

·  Umpire’s Call (DRS) – Decision Review System(DRS), The decision is retained as “umpire’s call” when the on-field umpire’s original decision stands.

·  Revoke Call (Dead Ball Reversal) – The umpire crosses both hands above their head to revoke an incorrect signal.

·  Boundary (4 Runs) – The umpire waves their arm back and forth in front of their chest.

·  Six Runs (6) – The umpire raises both arms above their head.

·  Soft Signal – The umpire gives a soft verbal decision with a signal, usually pointing a finger or making a gesture before DRS review.

·  Penalty Runs – The umpire places one hand on the opposite shoulder to award penalty runs.

·  Bouncer Warning – The umpire raises one hand to shoulder height for a short-pitched ball warning.

·  Time Out – The umpire crosses both arms above their head to signal a timeout in the match.

·  End of Over – The umpire raises one arm and calls “Over” to signal the completion of six deliveries.

·  Last Hour of Play (Test Matches) – The umpire raises one hand and points to their wrist, indicating the final hour of play.  

Some less known cricket umpire signals

While most cricket fans are familiar with common umpire signals like “Out,” “No Ball,” or “Wide,” there are a few lesser-known signals that are not seen as often during matches. Here are some of them:

Lesser-Known Cricket Umpire Signals

·  Batter Delaying Play (Time Penalty)

The umpire points to their wrist, signaling that the batter took too much time to get ready.

·  Last Hour of Play Signal (Test Matches)

The umpire raises one hand with their watch to indicate the start of the final hour in a Test match.

·  Player Warning (Unfair Play)

The umpire raises both hands with palms facing outward to caution a player about unfair or unsporting behavior.

·  Bouncer Warning

The umpire raises one hand to shoulder height, indicating that the bowler has bowled a short-pitched delivery that is borderline illegal.

Final Thoughts

Understanding cricket umpire calls and signals is key to fully enjoying the game. By learning these simple rules, you can confidently follow every decision and deepen your knowledge of cricket. Whether you’re a fan or a player, mastering these signals will enhance your experience on and off the field