Dead ball rule
Short answer: A ball becomes dead (Law 20) when it is clear no further play can occur—common cases include boundaries scored, dismissals completed, or the umpire calls and signals dead ball for safety or interference.
Relevant laws
- Law 20 (Dead ball): definition and umpire call.
- Law 19 (Boundaries) and Law 18 (Scoring runs) for when play naturally ends.
Format considerations
- Safety stoppages (injury, crowd interference) apply across formats.
- DRS reviews: ball is dead once umpire signals; check local protocols.
Edge cases
- Ball lodges in equipment or clothing: dead ball; runs may be limited per laws.
- Serious distraction (e.g., sight-screen movement): umpire may call dead ball.
- Obstructing field: handle under Law 37; ball is typically dead after the call.
Reminder
Signal clearly and communicate with both captains when calling dead ball, especially for safety or interference.
Related articles
FAQs
Is the ball dead during a DRS review?
Yes. Once time is called and the review proceeds, the ball is dead until the decision is finalized.
What if the ball hits a helmet on the ground?
Dead ball. Penalty runs may apply per competition rules; runs scored before contact may count.