No Ball

In the sport of cricket a no ball is a penalty against the fielding team, usually as a result of an illegal delivery by the bowler. The delivery of a no ball results in one run (or occasionally two, depending upon the competition) to be added to the batting team's score, and an additional ball must be bowled. In addition, the number of ways in which the batsman can be given out is reduced except for run out. In twenty20 and recently one-day cricket matches, a batsman receives a 'free hit' on the ball after any foot fault no balls (see below). This means the batsman can freely hit the ball with no danger of being out in certain ways. No balls are not uncommon, especially in short form cricket, and fast bowlers tend to bowl them more often than spin bowlers, due to their longer run-up.

On October 29, 2012 The International Cricket Council made amendments on no-balls in all formats. After every dismissal that is not permitted off a no-ball, and subject to the availability of technology, the third umpire will check the fairness of a delivery (foot-fault only).