New Cricket Rules: Boundary Catches and Two-Ball Changes Announced
The Marylebone Cricket Club has announced significant changes to cricket rules, particularly regarding boundary catches and the two-ball system in ODIs. The new regulations will prohibit certain airborne catches deemed unfair and introduce a revised two-ball rule for One Day Internationals. These updates aim to enhance the integrity of the game and will take effect in the coming months. Read on to learn more about how these changes will impact the sport and the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.
Jun 15, 2025, 03:44 IST
Changes to Boundary Catch Regulations
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has declared that boundary catches involving 'bunny hops' or multiple airborne touches outside the boundary will be considered illegal. This new regulation is set to be incorporated into the International Cricket Council's (ICC) playing conditions this month, with the MCC's laws officially changing in October next year.
Remarkable catches, such as those executed by Michael Neser during the BBL 2023 and Tom Banton with Matt Renshaw's assistance in 2020, will no longer be deemed legal once the updated rule takes effect.
An MCC communication shared with member boards by the ICC noted that while the current law has led to some impressive fielding displays, it has also permitted some catches that many in the cricket community find unfair.
In reference to Neser's catch for Brisbane Heat that dismissed Jordan Silk, the MCC pointed out that the fielder 'bunny hopped' before securing the catch within the boundary. Although this maneuver was compliant with the existing law, the MCC remarked that it 'felt like the fielder had – quite literally – gone too far.'
These instances sparked significant discussion, prompting the ICC and MCC to reassess Law 19.5.2, which was last revised in 2010.
As part of the revision, the MCC clarified that any fielder who makes a second contact with the ball after jumping from outside the boundary must land within the field of play; otherwise, a boundary will be awarded.
The MCC has introduced new wording that eliminates the 'bunny hop' rule, allowing catches where the fielder pushes the ball up from inside the boundary, steps outside, and then dives back in to catch the ball.
'Our solution limits any fielder who has gone outside the boundary to touching the ball while airborne only once. After that, they must be completely grounded within the boundary for the remainder of that delivery,' the note explained. This rule will also apply to relay catches. If a fielder deflects the ball while airborne outside the boundary and does not return inside the field before completing the catch—regardless of whether a teammate assists—it will be ruled a boundary.
'Even if the ball is deflected to another fielder or back into play, if the fielder lands outside the boundary or steps outside afterward, a boundary will be scored.'
'To clarify, this means the fielder has one opportunity to touch the ball after jumping from outside the boundary. After that, the boundary becomes a strict line—any time they touch the ground during that delivery, they must be inside.' The revised rule will be implemented starting June 17, coinciding with the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which begins with Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh in Galle. The law changes will officially take effect in October 2026.
Updates on Two-Ball and Concussion Rules
The ICC has also approved modifications to the two-ball rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and updated concussion substitute regulations for men's cricket.
Currently, two new balls are utilized per innings—one from each end. However, moving forward, two new balls can be used until the 34th over, after which the bowling team will select one of the two balls for the remainder of the innings (from the 35th to the 50th over).
If the match is shortened to 25 overs or fewer before the first innings, only one new ball will be permitted.
According to the revised concussion protocols, teams must inform the match referee of their substitutes prior to the match, which must include one each of a wicketkeeper, batter, pace bowler, spinner, and all-rounder.