Boundary Catches: MCC's New Rule Favors Batsmen!

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has now revised its rules regarding boundary and relay catches.

As per the new MCC regulations, a fielder can now only touch the ball once while outside the boundary rope.

Source : @RichKettle07 / X

Boundary-line catches have always thrilled cricket fans, with some moments becoming iconic. One such instance was Suryakumar Yadav’s remarkable catch in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, which played a crucial role in helping Team India lift the trophy.

In response to such game-changing moments, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has now revised its rules regarding boundary and relay catches.

Controversy Around Michael Neser’s Catch

Previously, fielders were allowed to make multiple airborne contacts with the ball outside the boundary, provided they hadn't touched the ground, and complete the catch inside the field.

This came under scrutiny during a Big Bash League 2023–24 match, where Michael Neser tapped the ball twice mid-air while outside the boundary before completing the catch. Though the batter was given out, the dismissal led to widespread debate and criticism.

Outrageous catch from Michael Neser 😱

Allow Glenn Maxwell to explain why it's a legit catch #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/7YORTIUFat

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 1, 2023

What's Changed in the Rules?

As per the new MCC regulations, a fielder can now only touch the ball once while outside the boundary rope. To complete the catch legally, the fielder must re-enter the field of play before making the final catch.

The updated rule still permits catches where a fielder initially plays the ball inside the boundary, steps out momentarily, and then dives back in to complete the catch. However, if the ball is touched while the fielder is outside the boundary, the catch will only be valid if the fielder returns and lands inside the field of play before completing it.

Updates to Relay Catch Law

Changes have also been introduced to relay catches — where a fielder, while stepping out or losing balance, throws the ball to a teammate.

Under the new rule, the player tossing the ball must be inside the boundary, and the receiving fielder must also be fully within the field of play when taking the catch. If the assisting fielder is outside the rope, the ball will be ruled a boundary.