Michael Neser's catch created controversy during the Big Bash League 2023. Naser tossed the ball from outside the field into the boundary area without touching the ground, and then he came into the playing area to grab the ball.

In the whole process, according to the rule, the fielder was not in touch with the ball while his feet were on the ground. Neser, obeying the rule, only touched the ball when both his legs were in the air. Thus, that effort counted as a stunning catch. But now a new rule is set to be in effect soon. This new rule will not allow the 'bunny hop' catches.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) were informed about the new rule. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, jumping and touching the ball despite being outside the boundary will be considered illegal. This new law will come into effect in October 2026. 

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New rules for the boundary catches:

19.5.2 A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyond the boundary if, before their first contact with the ball, their final contact with the ground was not entirely within the boundary. This applies to any fielder who makes contact with the ball after it has been delivered by the bowler, whether or not the ball has previously been touched by another fielder.

19.5.2.1 If a fielder’s first contact with the ball does not contravene 19.5.2, that fielder may then jump from outside the boundary in order to make contact with the ball while airborne. After making contact with the ball once airborne, all subsequent contact with the ground by that fielder, until the ball becomes dead, must be within the field of play. Any subsequent contact with the ground outside the boundary by that fielder during that delivery, whether or not in contact with the ball, will result in a boundary being scored.

These types of catches will not be allowed 

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

19.5.2.2 If the ball is returned to the field of play, whether to another fielder or onto the ground, by a fielder who has jumped from outside the boundary, that fielder must land, and remain, within the boundary until the ball becomes dead. Otherwise, a boundary shall be scored.