Cricket’s New Rules: How Boundary Catching Is Changing

The MCC has announced significant changes to cricket’s laws, specifically impacting how boundary catches are judged. These changes aim to clarify the legality of catches taken near the boundary, following a trend of spectacular catches that have sparked debate. The new rules, which will be adopted by the ICC, stipulate that a fielder who is outside the boundary rope is allowed only one contact with the ball while airborne. To validate the catch, the fielder must then return to the field of play. Moreover, relay catches now come with stricter regulations. The changes are designed to minimize disputes, promote fair play and encourage cleaner fielding.