In a major update to cricket’s playing conditions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to revise the rules regarding boundary catches — a move that will come into effect from June 17, 2025, during the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, starting with the Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
This decision comes after much debate around the fairness and perception of catches taken near the boundary ropes, especially those involving multiple contacts with the ball outside the field of play. The new rule is set to reshape how fielders approach high catches at the edge of the field.
The “Bunny Hop” Catch: Why It Sparked Change
The rule change was largely influenced by a now-famous incident involving Michael Neser in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023. Neser executed a dramatic catch that included first touching the ball inside the field of play, then juggling it twice while standing beyond the boundary line, before popping it back into play and completing the catch.
Although this was legal under existing laws at the time, many fans and cricket pundits felt it violated the spirit of fair play. It was an impressive athletic feat, but one that blurred the lines between legality and sportsmanship. The catch went viral, sparking discussions about whether such dismissals should be allowed.
A similar case involved Matt Renshaw, who stepped outside the ropes but, while airborne, tapped the ball back into the field where teammate Tom Banton completed the catch. This, too, would now be considered illegal under the new rules.
What the New Boundary Catch Rule States
Under the new ICC regulation, a fielder is allowed only one contact with the ball while outside the boundary. If a player touches the ball more than once while being beyond the ropes, it will be deemed not a clean catch, and the batting side will be awarded a boundary.
Additionally, if a player initiates a relay catch — such as tapping the ball back into play while airborne from outside the boundary — the player must return inside the boundary before the catch is completed. This ensures that the final act of the dismissal occurs entirely within the field of play.
Law Changes by MCC to Follow in 2026
While the ICC’s new rules will take immediate effect from June 17, 2025, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of cricket laws, will officially incorporate this change into its global laws during its next scheduled revision in October 2026.
The MCC supports the ICC’s stance, noting that while these catches require extraordinary skill and presence of mind, the new rules better align with public expectations of fairness and clarity in the game.
Conclusion
This rule change aims to preserve the spirit of cricket while balancing athleticism and fairness. Fielders will now need to adapt their strategies near the boundary ropes, knowing that multiple touches outside the line could now cost their team runs rather than earn a wicket.
As the cricketing world watches how this plays out in the upcoming Test series, it’s clear the game continues to evolve — respecting tradition while embracing necessary change.
