MCC Unveils Significant Change to Boundary Rules: What You Need to Know
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have announced a significant rule change set to take effect in October 2026, specifically targeting the controversial ‘bunny-hop’ catch in cricket. This new guideline will prohibit fielders from jumping and touching the ball while outside the boundary. However, it will still allow fielders to push the ball from within the boundary, step outside, and dive back in to complete the catch, provided they land inside the playing area afterward. This change aims to enhance fairness and clarity in boundary catches during matches.
Details of the New Rule
The MCC has developed the new rule in response to ongoing concerns regarding catches that may seem unfair to spectators. The existing law only disallows catches if the player makes contact with both the ball and the ground while outside the boundary. The revised wording specifically eliminates the allowance for ‘bunny-hop’ catches that occur entirely beyond the boundary. As per the MCC’s statement, these catches will no longer be counted if a fielder jumps from outside the boundary to make contact with the ball. Instead, the new guidelines dictate that fielders must remain grounded within the boundary after making contact with the ball in the air for the catch to be valid.
This new regulation addresses catches made in play and provides precise instructions for players attempting boundary catches. The MCC clarifies that if a fielder jumps from outside the boundary to touch the ball, they must be fully grounded within the boundary for the remainder of that delivery, or else a boundary will be awarded. This change aims to establish a clear and fair standard for all players involved in boundary catches.
Implications for Future Matches
The implementation of this rule will be reflected in the ICC’s playing conditions shortly, with formal enforcement beginning in October 2026. Under the new regulations, notable catches such as Michael Neser’s in the 2023 Big Bash League and Dewald Brevis’s catch for the Chennai Super Kings against the Punjab Kings during IPL 2025 will become invalid. The new provisions are designed to eliminate controversy surrounding boundary catches while still allowing for impressive fielding maneuvers that begin within the field of play.
Players and officials will need to familiarize themselves with these new regulations to ensure compliance during matches. The MCC’s adjustments provide a clear framework for boundary catches, contributing to a more consistent and transparent playing environment in cricket.
Specific Guidelines for Fielders
The revised law, numbered 19.5.2, specifies that a fielder is considered to be beyond the boundary if their last contact with the ground before touching the ball was not entirely within the boundary. This applies to all fielders making contact with the ball after the bowler delivers it. Furthermore, section 19.5.2.1 allows a fielder to jump from outside the boundary to touch the ball while airborne, but mandates that all subsequent ground contact must occur within the playing area until the ball is declared dead.
Additionally, section 19.5.2.2 states that if a fielder jumps from outside the boundary and returns the ball to play, they must land and remain within the boundary until the ball becomes dead. This framework aims to clarify the rules surrounding boundary catches, thus reducing confusion and enhancing the integrity of the game.
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