The MCC announces Boundary Catches Rule changes, introducing a major shift in how fielders are judged near the boundary rope. The ICC will start using this updated law in its playing conditions this month. The MCC will officially add it to the Laws of Cricket in October 2026.
This decision comes after several controversial moments in the Big Bash League. In 2023, Michael Neser took a stunning catch by tossing the ball mid-air while airborne outside the boundary. He then landed inside the field and completed the catch. Though it was legal at the time, the incident sparked debate. In 2020, Matt Renshaw did something similar. He knocked the ball mid-air outside the rope to Tom Banton, who then completed the catch.
Under the new rule, these types of catches will no longer be valid. The law now states that a fielder airborne beyond the boundary can only touch the ball once while in the air. After that, they must land completely inside the field of play to finish the catch. If they touch the ball again while still airborne outside or remain outside while completing the catch, the umpire will call it a boundary.
The revised rule now includes relay catches as well. If a fielder touches or throws the ball while airborne and beyond the boundary, the next fielder must be fully inside the field to catch it. If not, the batting side will get four or six runs, depending on the shot played.
The MCC clarified that, while these catches were in line with previous regulations, they puzzled fans and appeared unjust. The current aim is to make the law clearer and encourage fair play more effectively.
One part of the rule remains the same: the fielder’s last contact with the ground before touching the ball must be inside the boundary. The main change is that only one ball contact is allowed while airborne outside. The new law will take effect on June 17, starting with the WTC match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The MCC anticipates that the change will uphold fairness in the game while also keeping the thrill and excitement that boundary catches provide. They are confident it will enhance clarity, balance, and minimize controversies during key moments in matches.
