by 🏏 MCC Updates Boundary Catch Rule – Major Shake-Up in Cricket Laws
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of cricket’s laws, has announced a significant change to the boundary catch rule, aiming to clarify confusion around airborne fielders making catches near the ropes. This change, which came into effect in 2025, is already being seen as one of the most impactful tweaks in recent cricket history.
📜 What Was the Previous Rule?
Before the update, the law stated that a fielder could jump from within the field of play, touch the ball mid-air, and complete the catch even after crossing the boundary, provided they were not grounded outside the field when making contact with the ball.
This led to spectacular relay catches, but also created confusion, especially during tight boundary calls where players jumped, tapped the ball back mid-air, and completed catches in play.
🔄 What Has Changed?
Under the new rule, the MCC has simplified things:
A fielder must have both feet grounded inside the boundary before making the first contact with the ball for the catch to be legal.
This means:
- A fielder cannot leap from outside the boundary (even if airborne) to touch the ball and bring it back.
- The first contact must happen while the fielder is fully inside the field of play.
This change brings clarity and fairness, especially in televised matches where reviews often create controversy and delays.
🎯 Why the Change?
The MCC said the rule was changed to:
- Eliminate grey areas in fielding laws.
- Align with the spirit of the game, where fielders shouldn’t be rewarded for starting a play while technically “out of bounds.”
- Make decisions easier for on-field umpires and third umpires.
Additionally, this update aligns with how boundary rules are interpreted in other sports like basketball and American football, where being airborne from out of bounds offers no advantage.
💬 Reaction from the Cricketing World
The reaction has been mixed:
- Supporters say it brings consistency and removes unfair advantages.
- Critics, especially fielding coaches and athletic players, argue that it discourages innovation and athleticism in the field.
Players known for boundary wizardry like Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, and Faf du Plessis may now need to adjust their approach in tight situations.
📌 Final Thoughts
This boundary catch rule change is part of MCC’s ongoing effort to modernize cricket while upholding its core values. It marks a turning point in how we’ll view fielding brilliance — from pure athleticism to legal precision.
As the 2025 cricket season continues to unfold, expect some thrilling moments — and perhaps a few early mistakes — as players adjust to this new law.
