MCC Bans ‘Bunny Hop’ Boundary Catches in Major Rule Overhaul
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of cricket’s laws, has revealed a significant overhaul of boundary fielding regulations, ending a contentious loophole that let fielders finish catches after several airborne contacts over the boundary rope. The move is expected to make fielding more appropriate without removing the drama of athletic excellence at the ropes. So Let’s take a look at MCC Bans Bunny Hop Boundary Catches in Major Rule Overhaul.
The revised Law 19.5.2 will take effect in ICC playing conditions from June 17, 2025, coinciding with the commencement of the new World Test Championship cycle. It will be formally integrated into MCC’s Laws of Cricket from October 2026.
Suggested Topic: Australia vs South Africa WTC Final: Impact on ICC Trophy Count
This action is taken amid high-profile cases such as Michael Neser’s expulsion of Jordan Silk in the 2023 Big Bash League and a 2020 attempt by Tom Banton and Matt Renshaw, which were both ruled legal according to current rules but drew criticism from fans and critics who believed such send-offs went against the intent of the game.
What is Bunny Hop in Cricket?
It was previously legal for fielders to jump from within the playing area, touch the ball while in mid-air, land on the other side of the boundary in the air, and return to finish off or aid a catch, even several times, as long as they hadn’t hit the ground outside first. These so-called “bunny hop” catches, albeit technically legitimate, were commonly considered to be taking advantage of a loophole.
According to the new regulation, a fielder can touch the ball once in flight while in the air after jumping over the boundary. They should, however, land completely within the field and stay there until the play is over. Should the fielder touch the ground outside the field again within that delivery, it will be called a boundary, irrespective of whether a throw or catch comes from it.
The same applies to relay catches: if the initial fielder starts outside the field and edges the ball to a colleague, the wicket will only register if the first fielder gets fully grounded inside the field prior to any second making contact.
The rule is intended to strike a balance between fair play and fielding panache, turning the boundary into an absolute boundary, no longer a loophole to be taken advantage of.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
