Cricket has witnessed a flurry of innovations over the years, from the advent of T20 cricket to the evolution of batting techniques. However, fielding, often the unsung hero, has also seen its share of evolution, particularly near the boundary ropes. One such technique, colloquially known as the "bunny hop," has now been outlawed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of the Laws of Cricket. This change, effective later this month and formally integrated into the MCC's Laws of Cricket in October 2026, aims to address what many considered an unfair exploitation of existing rules.
So, what exactly is the 'bunny hop,' and why has it been deemed illegal? The "bunny hop" is a fielding technique employed near the boundary ropes. A fielder, realizing they are about to cross the boundary line while attempting a catch, would flick the ball up into the air, step or jump outside the boundary, tap the ball again in mid-air, and then return inside the field of play to complete the catch.
Previously, Law 19.5.2 allowed this, stating that the fielder's last contact with the ground before their first touch of the ball must be within the boundary. The law also specified that the fielder could not touch the ball and the ground outside the boundary simultaneously. As long as these conditions were met, the catch was considered legal, however, the MCC felt this was against the spirit of the game.
Several instances of 'bunny hop' catches have drawn attention. A notable example is Michael Neser's catch in the 2023 Big Bash League (BBL). Neser, near the boundary, tossed the ball in the air, stepped outside the rope, tapped the ball again while airborne, and then completed the catch inside the boundary. While perfectly legal then, this catch exemplified the maneuver that the MCC now seeks to eliminate. Other examples include catches by Harleen Deol (vs England in 2021) and Alex Hales (in BBL 2020).
The updated law brings significant changes, and simplifies boundary catch rules. Fielders are now restricted to a single airborne touch of the ball when outside the boundary. Once that single touch is made, the fielder must land and remain within the boundary for the catch to be valid. Any subsequent contact with the ground outside the boundary will result in a boundary being awarded to the batting team. This applies whether the fielder is in contact with the ball or not. If a fielder jumps from outside the boundary and returns the ball to play, they must land and remain within the boundary until the ball becomes dead.
The MCC's decision reflects a desire to maintain the spirit and simplicity of the game. The updated rule aims to uphold the integrity of fielding, prevent controversial interpretations, and address concerns raised by players and fans. According to the MCC, the existing law, while leading to spectacular fielding efforts, also permitted unusual-looking catches that felt unfair to the majority of the cricketing public.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will integrate the rule change into its playing conditions this month. This swift implementation ensures that the new law will govern upcoming matches. The MCC will formally include the updated law in October 2026, giving players, coaches, and teams ample time to adapt to the change.
