MCC introduces major rule change
Cricket will soon look a little different near the boundary. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has made a big update to the rules. This change will stop fielders from using multiple airborne touches to complete boundary catches.
The new rule will come into effect in international cricket from 17 June 2025. It will officially be added to the MCC Laws of Cricket in October 2026.
What’s changing?
The rule change affects Law 19.5.2. In simple terms, if a fielder is outside the boundary and jumps to touch the ball in the air, they can now only do it once.
Before this update, fielders could tap the ball back into play while airborne—even if they were already outside the boundary. Sometimes, they could even do this more than once. This allowed for impressive catches, but also caused confusion.
Now, once a player has left the field, they are not allowed to make multiple touches in the air to keep the ball in play.
Why the change was needed
The MCC made this change to make the game fairer and clearer.
Many fans admired these high-flying catches. However, others felt it didn’t match the spirit of the game. It also made things more difficult for umpires, who had to rely on replays to check if the ball or player touched the ground outside the boundary.
With this new rule, decisions will be easier, and the game will be simpler to follow.
Relay catches also affected
The rule doesn’t just apply to solo efforts. It also applies when two or more fielders work together to complete a relay catch near the rope.
So, whether it’s one player or more, they can’t keep touching the ball in the air while outside the field. This ensures that catches are completed more naturally and fairly, inside the playing area.
A step towards cleaner cricket
This update is part of MCC’s ongoing efforts to modernise the game while keeping it fair.
Earlier, the MCC made changes to how bowlers deliver short balls. They also updated the rules for how batters can move during the bowler’s run-up. All these changes reflect the fast-moving nature of modern cricket.
This latest rule is another step in that direction.
What happens next?
From June 2025, international teams will need to follow this updated rule. Domestic leagues and T20 franchises may follow soon after.
Fielders will have to adjust their techniques. Coaches may also rethink boundary fielding drills. Fans can expect to see fewer complicated reviews and more clear-cut catches.
Final thoughts
The new rule might disappoint some fans who loved those stunning boundary catches. But it brings more clarity to the game and helps umpires make quicker decisions.
Cricket is changing with the times—and this update makes sure the game stays both fair and exciting.