MCC Bans ‘Bunny Hop’ Boundary Catches in Major Law Revision

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced a significant update to Law 19.5.2, outlawing the so‑called “bunny hop” boundary catch. Under the new rule—effective in ICC playing conditions from June 17, 2025, and in the MCC’s official Laws from October 2026—a fielder who jumps from beyond the rope may touch the ball only once while airborne and must then land inside the field of play, or the delivery will automatically be ruled a boundary.

Why in News?

The ICC is integrating the MCC’s revision into its playing conditions for the start of the new World Test Championship cycle on June 17, 2025. Iconic catches such as Michael Neser’s “bunny hop” in BBL 2023 and Tom Banton’s relay effort in 2020 have sparked debate over fairness. The amendment aims to preserve the spirit of the game by eliminating “unusual-looking” airborne boundary feats that feel unfair to the majority of fans.

Aim and Objectives

• Aim: Clarify permissible scope of airborne boundary fielding.

Objectives

• Prevent fielders from gaining undue advantage by touching the ball multiple times while hopping back in.
• Retain spectacular yet fair catches where initial contact is made from inside the boundary.

Background & Static Facts

• Existing Law (pre‑2025): Allowed multiple touches if the fielder first jumped from beyond the boundary, so long as final catch completed in‑field.

Notable Incidents

• Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Sixers, BBL 2023)
• Tom Banton relay catch (2020)
• Last MCC Update to Law 19.5.2: 2010

Rule Revision Details

• Single Airborne Touch: Fielder may touch the ball once after jumping from outside.
• Mandatory In‑Field Landing: After that touch, the fielder must land fully inside the boundary before any further contact or ground touch.
• Relay Catches: If a ball is parried outside and fails to be completed in‑field, it’s a boundary, even if a teammate completes the catch.

Overall Significance

• Fairness: Ensures fielding feats align with public expectations of what constitutes a legal catch.
• Consistency: Applies uniformly to all formats under ICC playing conditions.
• Spectacle vs. Spirit: Balances maintaining spectacular fielding with upholding the integrity of the Laws.