New Delhi: Big news for cricket fans and players alike—the laws of boundary catching are set to change in international cricket. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the long-standing custodian of the game’s rules, has made a significant amendment to how boundary-line catches will be judged.
Fans will remember iconic moments like Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning boundary catch during the ICC T20 World Cup final, where he secured a crucial dismissal of South Africa’s David Miller. Such airborne catches from beyond the ropes have sparked debates for years. But going forward, these kinds of catches may no longer be legal.
Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing rule update.
What Has Changed?
Under the new Law 19.5.2, a fielder must be fully inside the field of play when first touching the ball during an aerial catch attempt near the boundary.
If a fielder jumps from outside the boundary or makes contact with the ball from beyond the ropes, even while airborne, the ball will now automatically be ruled a boundary.
If a fielder who has stepped outside the boundary returns and touches the ball without first re-establishing position inside the field, the shot will also be ruled as a boundary.
Simply put: fielding skill alone will not be enough if part of the fielder’s body is out of play when the ball is first touched.
When Will the New Rule Apply?
According to the MCC, this updated boundary catch rule is set to come into effect for international cricket from June 7, 2025.
It will be formally incorporated into MCC’s Laws of Cricket by October 2026, allowing domestic competitions and leagues time to adjust.
Why Has This Rule Changed?
The goal behind this change is to ensure greater fairness and clarity when judging catches near the boundary. In recent years, especially in T20 leagues like IPL and BBL, fans have witnessed numerous instances of fielders juggling the ball in mid-air or leaping from beyond the boundary to complete sensational catches.
While spectacular, these plays often led to confusion and debate about legality.
By requiring fielders to re-establish themselves inside the field of play, the rule eliminates grey areas. It also ensures that the batsman isn’t unfairly denied a boundary due to tricks with mid-air juggling from beyond the ropes.
Will It Change the Game?
Absolutely. Fielders will now have to focus not only on athleticism but also on precise field awareness. Spectacular juggling acts from outside the field will no longer result in wickets.
This may also encourage cleaner fielding and lead to more definitive outcomes for boundary-line shots.
Final Takeaway
If you’re a cricket lover, you’ll want to keep an eye on how teams adapt to this new law. Come June 2025, don’t be surprised if some of those jaw-dropping boundary catches that once wowed crowds now result in four or six runs instead of a wicket.
The spirit of fairness and clarity in play is at the heart of this MCC decision—and for players and fans alike, it will certainly make for an interesting new chapter in modern cricket.
Author Profile
- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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