Cricket, often regarded as a game of precision, is bound by a myriad of rules to ensure fair play. Among these regulations, the no-ball rule stands as a sentinel, meticulously observed by umpires. Let’s unravel the complexities of why and when a no-ball is called.
Number one, the Front Foot transgression
At the core of no-ball rulings lies the scrutiny of a bowler’s front foot in relation to the bowling popping crease. The most commonplace infringement occurs when the front foot of the bowler either lands or remains in the air during delivery, with no part of it positioned behind the popping crease. In this case, the umpire can obviously call it a no-ball.
Second, Back-Foot placement:
Equally pivotal is the consideration of the back foot. It must navigate a careful path, avoiding any incursion into the return crease or the crease on the side. While the foot being airborne outside the return crease is permissible, compliance dictates that a portion of the back foot must have made contact within the return crease in that case. No part of the foot must be cutting the return crease or an umpire can call it a no-ball too.
Third, feet on the same side.
Beyond the scrutiny of the front and back foot’s individual actions, a bowler faces yet another criterion: the front foot must land on the same side of the wicket as the back foot.
As we continue our exploration of the intricacies behind no-ball calls, let’s uncover the less-explored facets that prompt an umpire to call it a no-ball.
Fourthly, Blatant Throwing or Chucking:
A stark departure from the smooth and regulated bowling action occurs when the bowler blatantly throws or “chucks” the ball. In such instances, either of the umpires holds the authority to declare it a no-ball. There have been instances of cricketers having been called for chucking including one of the most famous one in the form of the Aussie umpire Ross Emerson meting out that treatment to Sri Lankan off-spinner Muthiah Muralitharan.
Fifth, Stump Dislodgment.
In the theatre of cricket, the unexpected act of a bowler dislodging the stumps at the non-striker’s end during the bowling motion triggers a no-ball call. However, an exception exists when the bowler is attempting a ‘Mankad’ on the non-striker, a move widely scrutinized for its sportsmanship. The rule was introduced after England bowler Steven Finn kept dislodging the bails with his bowling arm, leaving the batter distracted.
Number six, Arm Change.
A change in the arm used to bowl without communicating that to the umpire leads to a no-ball. Unlike a batter who can freely switch between right and left-handed stances, a bowler must inform the umpire before altering their bowling arm reinforcing the need for transparency in altering this.
Seventh, Switching Sides
Bowlers contemplating a tactical shift by switching sides without notifying the umpire tread on precarious ground. Whether opting for a round-the-stumps approach or reverting to over the wicket, the umpire needs to be informed and failing to do so leads to a no-ball.
The eighth reason for a no-ball in cricket includes Underarm Bowling.
The infamous Trevor Chappell underarm delivery in 1981 against New Zealand, sparked a rule change regarding underarm bowling. Subsequently, if a bowler resorts to underarm bowling, whether in an international or domestic match, the umpires can invoke the no-ball rule.
Number nine, an Unconventional Delivery:
A bowler must enter a defined delivery stride before releasing the ball to the striker. Throwing the ball at the striker without engaging in a proper delivery stride is deemed unsportsmanlike and the umpire can call it a no-ball.
Tenth, the number of times a ball bounces also plays a part.
If the ball rolls along the pitch or bounces more than once before reaching the popping crease at the batter’s end, or if it fails to reach the line of the striker’s stumps, it warrants a no-ball call. However, an exception exists if the ball bounces for the second time between the popping crease and the stumps at the batter’s end and proceeds to the keeper or is hit by the batter.
Number 11, pitching Beyond the Pitch Width:
The width of the pitch serves as a defined parameter for a fair delivery. A ball bouncing outside the width of the pitch prompts the umpires to declare a no-ball.
The 12th reason for a no-ball in cricket is the beamer rule.
If the ball passes the batter on the full over his or her waist height, it will be deemed a beamer and called a no-ball.
At number 13 is the rule around bouncers.
A bouncer that could be deemed dangerous by the umpire based on the skill of the batter and trajectory of the ball could also be called a no-ball.
14th, bouncer over the head.
Depending on the adopted playing conditions, a bouncer passing over the head of the batter can be called a no-ball or a wide.
15th, the number of allowed bouncers per over.
More than one bouncer an over in T20s and more than two bouncers in an over in ODIs and Test match cricket can be called a no-ball if the ball is deemed to have passed over the shoulder of the batter
The 16th reason for a no-ball in cricket is to do with the wicket-keeper.
If the wicket-keeper’s gloves or any other part of their equipment or their body is in front of the stumps before the ball has been hit by the batter or before it has passed the line of the stumps, it can be called a no-ball
Similarly, the 17th reason why a no-ball can be called is to do with fielders.
If a fielder has moved any part of their body on the pitch or in the air on the pitch before the ball has been played by the batter or it has passed the stumps, a no-ball will be called, as it will be called if a fielder touches the ball before the batter’s made any contact or it’s passed the stumps
And the 18th reason why the umpires can also call a no-ball is to do with fielding restrictions.
If the fielding team has more than two players behind square on the leg-side or more than five fielders on the leg-side in limited overs cricket or more than the stipulated number of fielders during that phase of the innings outside the 30-yard circle, all these are transgressions that can force a no-ball to be called.
In essence, the no-ball rule is not a mere technicality; it’s a safeguarding measure ensuring fairness and adherence to the established norms of the game. The meticulous observation of the bowler’s footwork, both front and back, underscores cricket’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of play. As spectators, understanding these nuances enhances our appreciation for the precision and discipline embedded in the fabric of this venerable sport.