NB Full Form in Cricket
The full form of NB in cricket is No Ball, a term used to describe an illegal delivery bowled by the bowler. A no ball can be called for various reasons, typically due to a violation of the rules regarding the bowler’s action or the delivery itself.
Types of No Balls
There are several reasons why a delivery can be called a no ball in cricket:
- Overstepping the Crease: If the bowler’s front foot crosses the line of the crease during delivery, it results in a no ball.
- High Full Toss: A full toss (ball without bouncing) above the batsman’s head or shoulder height is considered dangerous and is called a no ball.
- Underarm Bowling: Bowling the ball underarm is illegal and results in a no ball.
- Front Foot No Ball Technology: In modern cricket, technology is used to track the bowler’s front foot to ensure compliance with the no ball rule.
Impact on the Game
The no ball has various consequences in a match. When a bowler delivers a no ball, the batting team is awarded one extra run, and the batsman is not dismissed even if the ball is caught, bowled, or hit. In some formats, a free hit is awarded to the batsman on the next delivery, meaning the batsman cannot be dismissed from that ball except by being run out or hitting the ball twice.
No balls are also important for umpires, as they must make quick decisions about their legality. In international cricket, the presence of third umpires and technology like Hawk-Eye or the front foot no ball tracking system ensures greater accuracy in calling no balls.
Overall, The no ball (NB) rule is a fundamental aspect of cricket, ensuring fair play and maintaining safety on the field. It plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a game and upholding the integrity of the sport. By using modern technology, the enforcement of no ball regulations has become more precise, making cricket more transparent for players and fans alike.