Techniques for cross-subframe and cross-carrier scheduling of uplink and downlink transmissions in a multi-carrier wireless communication system are disclosed. A base station can include cross-subframe, carrier indication (xSF/CIF) information in a PDCCH message to signal to a user equipment (UE) which subframes and/or component carriers pertain to control information carried therein. The UE may utilize the xSF/CIF information to determine to which subframes and/or component carriers the control information is to be applied.