The New Boundary Catch Rule in Cricket: All You Need to Know

Hey there, cricket fans! If you’ve been keeping up with the game, you might have heard about a big change coming to how catches near the boundary are handled. It’s called the “new boundary catch rule,” and it’s already stirring up plenty of talk. This rule change, announced by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) the guardians of cricket’s laws, is set to make the game fairer and clearer, especially for those nail-biting moments when a fielder dives over the ropes. Let’s break it down step by step so you can understand what’s changed, why it matters, and how it might shake up the game.

What Was the Old Rule?

Before we get to the new rule, let’s quickly recap how things used to work. Under the old rules, a fielder could take a catch even if they were partially outside the boundary, as long as their last contact with the ground before touching the ball was inside the field. This led to some incredible catches, but also some controversial ones.

Take, for example, Harleen Deol’s catch during the 1st T20I between India Women and England Women on July 9, 2021, at the County Ground in Northampton. This catch, which dismissed Amy Jones, became a viral moment and sparked significant debate.

Another example is Michael Neser’s famous catch in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023. Neser, fielding for Brisbane Heat, caught a ball hit by Jordan Silk of Sydney Sixers. As he went over the boundary rope, he cleverly palmed the ball up, landed outside the boundary, jumped again, and completed the catch back inside the field. It was legal at the time, but many fans and experts felt it looked unfair – like the fielder was bending the rules to keep the ball in play.These kinds of catches, often called “bunny hops,” were legal but felt like they stretched the spirit of the game.

The New Rule: No More “Bunny Hops”

Now, let’s get to the juicy part – the new rule. Starting June 17, 2025, for international cricket (and officially part of the MCC’s Laws from October 2026), the rules for boundary catches have been tightened. Here’s what’s changed:

• One Touch Only Outside the Boundary: If a fielder is airborne and outside the boundary, they can only touch the ball once. If they touch it again while still outside, the catch is illegal.

• Must Return Inside: After that one touch, the fielder must land back inside the field of play. If they step outside again during the same delivery, it’s automatically a boundary.

• Relay Catches Included: Even if multiple fielders are involved, the same rule applies. If any fielder touches the ball while airborne outside the boundary, they get just one chance. If they don’t return inside before the catch is completed even by another player, it’s a boundary.

In short, the boundary is now a “hard line.” Once you’re outside, you get one shot to touch the ball while airborne, and then you must be fully inside the field for the rest of the play. The updated law, numbered 19.5.2, states that a fielder not touching the ground is considered beyond the boundary if their last ground contact before touching the ball was not entirely within the boundary. This applies to all fielders contacting the ball after the bowler’s delivery.

Why the Change?

So, why did the MCC and ICC decide to change this? Well, while the old rule allowed for some spectacular fielding, it also led to catches that many felt were unfair or exploited loopholes. The “bunny hop” catches, in particular, didn’t sit right with fans or players. They looked more like tricks than genuine skill.

They wanted to strike a balance. They didn’t want to kill the excitement of boundary catches, but they also wanted to make sure the rules felt fair and clear. By limiting fielders to one airborne touch outside the boundary, they’ve made it simpler: if you’re outside, you get one chance, and that’s it. The MCC noted that the old rule led to “unusual-looking catches” that felt unfair to the Public.

How Will This Change the Game?

This rule change could shake things up, especially in limited-overs cricket where boundaries are so important. Fielders will need to be more careful when going for catches near the boundary. They’ll have to think twice before diving over the ropes, knowing they only get one chance if they’re airborne outside. This might mean fewer attempted catches at the boundary and more boundaries being scored. On the flip side, when a fielder does pull off a catch near the boundary, it’ll feel even more impressive because they’ll have to do it perfectly within these stricter rules.

It could also change how teams set their fields. Captains might place fielders a bit deeper to avoid risky boundary catches, or they might rely more on quick reflexes inside the field. In Test cricket, where boundaries are less frequent, the impact might be smaller, but in T20s and ODIs, this could lead to some exciting strategic shifts.

Looking Ahead

The new rule will first be in effect for the Test series starting on June 17, 2025, between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (Khel Now). It’ll be fascinating to see how teams adapt and whether we get any controversial decisions early on. As the rule settles in, it might even lead to new strategies or highlight fielders who can still pull off those dramatic catches within the new limits.

So, there you have it the new boundary catch rule in cricket. It’s a small change, but it could have a big impact. By banning “bunny hops” and limiting fielders to one airborne touch outside the boundary, the MCC and ICC are making sure the game stays fair while still allowing for moments of brilliance. The boundary fielders will have to be extra sharp now.

Sources :  ICC , MCC , Espncricinfo