New Rule on Boundary Catches Introduced by ICC
International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared a revision in rules for boundary catches. The new rule will come into force in all forms of international cricket shortly.
What Is Changing in the Rule?
- Catches in which the fielder hops from within the boundary, jumps outside, and then tosses the ball up again to finish the catch (referred to as "bunny-hop" catches) will no longer be permitted.
- A fielder may still nudge the ball back into play before exiting and then re-entering to catch it if the ball is not handled more than once while outside the boundary.
- The key alteration: fielders may not handle the ball more than once while in or jumping beyond the field of play.
Why Did ICC Alter the Rule?
- Numerous fans and analysts panned such catches as unjust.
- Historically, particularly in competitions such as the Big Bash League, umpires had given batsmen out under such circumstances.
- These rulings drew criticism from spectators who felt that they were against the principle of the sport.
When Would This Rule Be Enforced?
- The rule comes into force beginning June 17, in the first Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
- This game is one of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.
- The regulation becomes binding for all games from October 2026.
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