The International Cricket Council (ICC) is to ban the “bunny hop” boundary catch method, in line with the suggestions of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) — cricket’s laws guardian. The move comes as a reaction to the recent shocking events and is intended to maintain the spirit of fair play within the game.
The new regulation will be added to the ICC’s Playing Conditions late this month and will be formally added to MCC’s Laws of Cricket by October 2026.
What Is the “Bunny Hop” Catch?
The “bunny hop” is a particular boundary fielding routine in which a fielder jumps from within the field of play, catches the ball in flight, throws it back upwards whilst airborne over the boundary, and then returns to the field in order to complete the catch.
This method generated controversy and raised questions regarding its legality and sporting nature. Arguing that while technically within the rulebook under older rules, it twists the game’s natural laws, critics say.
The Michael Neser Incident: Spark Behind the Rule Change
One of the most controversial moments to ignite this change in the rule was during Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Brisbane Heat’s Michael Neser made an incredible — and contentious — catch along the boundary rope to get Jordan Silk of the Sydney Sixers out.
Here’s what transpired:
Neser took the ball close to the boundary rope.
As momentum took him past the line, he lifted the ball up as he was in flight.
Still airborne on the other side of the boundary, he leaped again to clap the ball back into action.
He returned to the field and made the catch.
Although the dismissal was ruled legal then, it sparked acrimonious debates on whether or not such endeavors constituted fair catches. MCC and ICC took notice.
What the New Rule Says
According to the new rule, a fielder may:
Jump from within the field and catch the ball in flight.
But after being airborne and out of bounds, they need to get back onto the field before further coming into contact with the ball to make a catch.
In short, “airborne juggling” out of bounds will no longer be permitted. The rule guarantees that all successful catches have to finish up within the field of play — physically and in a fair manner.
Why This Matters
The ICC’s ruling is likely to:
Bring more clarity and justice to boundary fielding.
Avoid overly athletic but dubious dismissals.
Make on-field action more in alignment with fan perceptions and the essence of cricket.
It also diminishes the possibility of confusion among viewers, particularly during the era of high-definition replays and Twitter debates.
Final Thoughts
With cricket continually developing, the ICC and MCC are also making conscious efforts to update the laws while maintaining the integrity of the game. The prohibition on “bunny hop” boundary catches is but one of countless measures to keep cricket competitive, transparent, and equitable.
Continue to follow SportSnip.com for updates, rule changes, and opinions from the cricketing world and beyond.
