New Cricket Rule Changes Boundary Catch Regulations

Introduction to the New Rule

A significant change in cricket rules will impact how fielders can catch balls near the boundary. Iconic catches by players like Michael Neser and Tom Banton, with assistance from Matt Renshaw during the Big Bash League (BBL), will no longer be deemed legal under this updated regulation.

Details of the New Regulation

According to the revised rule, a fielder who is airborne beyond the boundary can only make contact with the ball once. After that, they must return to the field to complete the catch. This means that Neser's previous technique, where he touched the ball multiple times while airborne, will now be considered a violation.

Implementation Timeline

This new regulation will be incorporated into the ICC's playing conditions later this month, starting with the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on June 17 in Sri Lanka. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) plans to formalize it as an official law by October 2026.

Controversial Catches in BBL

During BBL 2023, Neser executed a remarkable catch for Brisbane Heat. He caught the ball while airborne, leaped over the boundary, tossed it back into the air, and then jumped back onto the field to secure the catch. This maneuver was allowed under the previous rules but sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Inspiration Behind the Catch

Neser mentioned that he was inspired by Matt Renshaw, who performed a similar act in BBL 2020. Renshaw threw the ball into the air as he fell over the boundary, allowing Tom Banton to catch it within the field.

Public Reaction to Boundary Catches

Many spectators felt that such catches were unsportsmanlike, despite being within the rules. Consequently, both the ICC and MCC opted to revise the regulations to eliminate these types of plays.

Clarification of the New Rule

The new rule still permits some impressive catches, like those made by Harleen Deol and Alex Hales, but it specifies the following:

• A fielder can only touch the ball once while airborne over the boundary.


• After touching it, they must return fully to the field.


• If they go out again during that play, it will count as a boundary.


• This applies even if they are passing the ball to a teammate.

This change ensures that fielders cannot be airborne beyond the boundary line for multiple touches. The boundary line will now serve as a definitive cutoff; once contact with the ball is made beyond it, the remainder of the play must be completed within the field.