What is a Free Hit in Cricket? All You Need to Know
Cricket fans love the drama of a huge six, but the excitement grows even louder when it comes from a free hit. If you’re new to cricket or just curious, a freehit is one of the most exciting rules. It gives the batter a chance to swing without the fear of getting out in most ways.
What is Free Hit?
In limited-overs cricket, such as One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20s), a free hit appears immediately after a bowler bowls a no-ball. A no-ball occurs when the bowler oversteps the crease or breaks another rule, allowing the batter to receive a “free” delivery next.
On this freehit, if the batter gets out—whether by getting bowled, caught, or run out—they don’t lose their wicket! The batter stays in, and the game keeps rolling. It’s like a penalty for the bowler, rewarding the batter for a mistake. But here’s the catch: if the batter runs and gets run out during the free hit, that’s still out. Fair play, right?
When Was Free Hit Introduced?
Now, why does this rule exist? In the early 2000s, cricket officials at the International Cricket Council (ICC) sought to make T20 matches faster and more exciting. Batters were getting out too quickly on no-balls, which slowed things down.
The free hit rule was introduced in 2007 to make the game more exciting and engaging. Since then, it has become every batter’s dream moment. When a bowler delivers a no-ball, the next delivery becomes a free-hit. On this ball, the batter cannot be dismissed in the usual ways, like bowled, caught, or leg before wicket (LBW).
Think about it—facing a delivery with no pressure to defend. Batters can take big swings, often hitting boundaries and sixes. Crowds love these moments because they bring fast runs and thrilling action.
How Does It Work?
The bowler runs in and oversteps the line—umpire calls “no-ball!” The batter gets an extra run automatically, then the next ball is a free hit. The fielders can change positions, but the batter knows they can’t get out (except for run-outs).
Teams love it because it swings momentum. Bowlers get nervous, and crowds cheer louder. In T20 leagues like the IPL, free hits lead to some of the biggest sixes—over 20% of them come from these deliveries!
Which Format Has Free hit?
Not every format has free hits. They only appear in ODIs and T20s, not in Test matches, where games can last for days. Also, in some youth or club cricket, umpires might skip it to keep things simple. Still, it’s a game-changer that keeps fans hooked.
Verdict
Free hits make the game more fun and fair. They reward the batter for the bowler’s mistake and create chances for high-scoring moments. It’s a perfect balance between skill, pressure, and entertainment. So, the next time you watch a T20 match, listen for the no-ball call. A freehit could be coming—and with it, some of the most exciting moments in cricket!