Cricket is changing! From July 2025, fielders can no longer make ‘bunny hop’ catches on the boundary line. The new rule ensures fairer play, requiring all catches to be completed inside the boundary. Exciting times ahead for cricket fans!
What Is Changing in Cricket?
Cricket is about to get a big rule change. One of the most exciting types of catches known as the “bunny hop” catch is being changed. This type of catch happens when a fielder jumps near the boundary, catches the ball while in the air outside the boundary, and then throws it back into the field for someone else to catch. These catches often look amazing, but from July 2025, this style of fielding will not be allowed anymore.
What Is a ‘Bunny Hop’ Catch?
A ‘bunny hop’ catch happens when a fielder jumps from outside the boundary, touches the ball in the air, and then either catches it after coming back inside or helps another fielder complete the catch inside the field.
Before this rule change, these catches were legal as long as the fielder didn’t touch the ground while holding the ball outside the boundary. But now, things are going to be stricter.
What Does the New Rule Say?
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which makes the rules of cricket, has decided to change this rule. With help from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the new rule will start from July 2025.
Here’s what the new rule says:
- A fielder can only touch the ball once while outside the boundary.
- After that, the fielder must go inside the boundary to complete the catch.
- If the fielder is outside the boundary line again or touches the ball twice from outside, the shot will count as a four or a six.
- For catches involving two fielders (relay catches), both players must be inside the boundary when making the play.
Why Is This Rule Changing?
This change came after some controversial catches in recent games. One famous incident was in 2023 during the Big Bash League. Sydney Sixers player Jordan Silk and Brisbane Heat’s Michael Neser were involved in a confusing catch that looked amazing but caused a lot of debate.
The ICC and MCC said that while some of these catches look great, they don’t match the spirit of the game. Many cricket experts think these catches should not be legal. That’s why the ICC has told all cricket boards to prepare for the new rule.
The new rules will be added to the ICC’s official Playing Conditions this July. They will also appear in the MCC Cricket Manual in October 2025.
Conclusion:
These changes will make fielding more fair and simple to understand. From now on, fielders must stay inside the boundary line to make legal catches. Cricket fans can still enjoy exciting plays, but now with clearer rules for everyone.
