PTC Web Desk: In a major update to cricket's playing conditions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant change to the rules governing boundary catches. The new regulation, which comes into effect from June 17 with the start of the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle — beginning with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test series — will impact how fielders can legally complete catches near the boundary line.

The rule change stems from growing debate around so-called "bunny hop" or relay catches, popularised by Michael Neser during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2023 match. In that instance, Neser made contact with the ball within the field of play, jumped outside the boundary rope, tapped the ball mid-air twice while airborne beyond the ropes, and then completed the catch legally under the then-current rules.

However, under the new ICC rule, a fielder will now be allowed to touch the ball only once while outside the boundary. If the ball is touched more than once beyond the ropes, it will no longer be considered a legal dismissal and will instead count as a boundary. This brings a more restrictive definition of a clean catch near the rope.

The ICC’s decision also covers similar instances from the past. For example, Matt Renshaw once pulled off a comparable catch in the BBL, where he lost his balance and stepped outside the boundary but remained airborne while pushing the ball back into play, leading to a relay catch by teammate Tom Banton. Under the new regulation, such a dismissal will only be valid if all players involved are inside the field of play when the final catch is taken.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), custodians of cricket’s laws, has supported the update, stating that the change aligns better with the general public’s perception of fairness. While the MCC acknowledges the incredible athleticism such catches display, it emphasised the need for clearer boundaries in the laws of the game.

While the ICC’s new rule will be enforced from the upcoming WTC cycle in June 2025, the MCC plans to officially incorporate the change into the Laws of Cricket in October 2026, during their next global revision cycle.