London (National Times): The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), is set to implement a major rule change that will render the controversial ‘bunny-hop’ boundary catches illegal from October 2026.
As per a report from ESPNcricinfo, the MCC has updated Law 19.5.2 to address what it calls “unusual-looking” boundary catches that many believe go against the spirit of fair play. The new amendment states that any fielder who has been outside the boundary before touching the ball must be fully grounded within the field of play after their first airborne contact — or else a boundary will be awarded.
This ruling directly affects instances where a fielder, while airborne outside the boundary, taps the ball back into play or catches it while still outside, without re-entering the field of play first. The law will now demand that the fielder lands inside the field after their first airborne interaction for the play to be considered legal.
The New Interpretation of Law 19.5.2:
According to the MCC, a fielder is now considered grounded outside the boundary if they touch the ball after having last made contact with the ground outside the ropes. Only one airborne touch is permitted after jumping from beyond the boundary, and any further contact with the ground must occur within the playing area.
“This adjustment reflects the majority opinion among players and fans that catches initiated from outside the field of play — without any intent to return inside — undermine the fairness of the game,” the MCC stated in a formal note.
The rule will be reflected in the ICC’s official playing conditions by next week, though its global enforcement across all formats will begin in October 2026.
