What is a free hit, and can a batter be out on one?
I · Intermediate · What is a fair ball, and what does a foul ball cost? · 6 of 19A free hit is the ball after a no-ball in ODIs and T20 internationals. The batter cannot be bowled, caught, LBW or stumped off it. They can still be run out, or out for hitting the ball twice or obstructing the field. There is no free hit in Test matches or under the Laws.
How it works
- Every kind of no-ball gives a free hit, not only overstepping.
- If the free hit is itself a wide or a no-ball, the next ball is a free hit too.
- The fielding side cannot change its field for the free hit, unless the batter on strike changes.
- The bowler may switch, for example from over to round the wicket, as long as the umpire is told.
Tricky cases
Can a batter be out on a free hit?
Yes, but only run out, hitting the ball twice or obstructing the field. Not bowled, caught, LBW or stumped.
Can a batter be stumped on a free hit if it is also called wide?
No. On a free hit the batter can be out only in the ways allowed off a no-ball, even if the ball is also a wide.
Can the batters run if the batter is bowled on a free hit?
Yes. The batter is not out, so the ball is still in play. Any runs count as byes.
Can the fielding side change the field for a free hit?
No, unless the batter on strike changes.
Is there a free hit in Test cricket?
No. Free hits are only in ODIs and T20 internationals, and in leagues whose own rules include them.
What happens if the free hit is itself a no-ball or a wide?
The next ball is a free hit too.
Why the rule exists
In limited-overs cricket one extra run is a small cost for a no-ball. The free hit makes overstepping expensive.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ODIs and T20 internationals | Free hit after every no-ball | PC-O 21.18, PC-I 21.18 |
| Tests and the Laws | No free hit | L21; PC-T |
| Leagues (the IPL and others) | Set by the competition's own playing conditions | Not checked |
From the rule book
ICC men's ODI and T20I playing conditions, clause 21.18, October 2026; MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 20.1.1 and 21.17, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: ICC playing conditions (PDF); MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).