In a major shift in cricketing laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced a change in the boundary catch rule, specifically addressing situations where fielders juggle the ball while crossing the boundary. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will enforce this new rule starting June 17, 2025, with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test series. MCC will formally adopt it in October 2026.

✅ What’s the New Rule?

The revised rule clarifies two key scenarios involving fielders near the boundary:

🟥 1. No More “Bunny Hop” Catches:

If a fielder, while inside the boundary, taps the ball in the air, then jumps over the boundary, re-taps it in mid-air, and returns inside the boundary to complete the catch — it will now be considered invalid.
👉 The batter will not be out, and runs will be awarded.

🟥 2. Catch Involving Two Players:

If a fielder leaps from outside the boundary and throws the ball back into play, and another teammate completes the catch — it will only be valid if the player who tossed the ball back lands inside the field of play.
👉 If he lands outside, the catch is disallowed.

🏟️ Why This Rule Was Changed?

The rule change comes after a controversial boundary catch by Michael Neser during the Big Bash League 2023. Although it followed the law at the time, fans and experts criticized the spirit of the play since Neser juggled the ball outside the boundary significantly before completing the catch.

MCC admitted that such moments feel unfair, despite being technically legal, and decided to revise the law to reflect the game’s spirit better.

🔁 Previous Incidents That Sparked Debate

🔹 Michael Neser – BBL 2023:

Neser performed a complex sequence of air-taps outside the boundary before catching the ball legally. Though allowed then, such catches are now banned under the new rule.

🔹 Matthew Wade – BBL 2020:

In a similar incident, Brisbane Heat’s Matt Renshaw leapt outside the boundary, tossed the ball mid-air, which was caught by Tom Banton. Though it was ruled out at the time, it stirred confusion over what’s fair play.

🆕 Other Major Law Changes by MCC & ICC

1️⃣ Two New Balls in ODIs:

From July 2, during the SL vs BAN ODI series:

• First 34 overs: Two separate balls used from each end.
• From 35th over: Only one of those two balls will be used at both ends.
• In matches shorter than 25 overs per innings, only one ball will be used per side.

2️⃣ Revised Concussion Substitute Rule:

Teams must now name five possible concussion substitutes before the match, including:

• One batter
• One fast bowler
• One spinner
• One all-rounder
• One wicketkeeper

This improves match transparency and speeds up medical substitutions, replacing the previous on-the-spot approval method.

📅 New Rules Effective From:

• 🗓️ June 17, 2025 – Boundary Catch Rule (SL vs BAN Test)
• 🗓️ July 2, 2025 – Two Ball Rule in ODIs (SL vs BAN ODI)
• 🗓️ October 2026 – MCC Official Law Update

📌 Final Words

These changes are a step toward maintaining fair play, transparency, and clarity in modern cricket. While the game evolves with technology and athleticism, the spirit of cricket remains a guiding light — and this rule update is a testament to that.