Bangalore Royal Challengers star AB de Villiers has formally commented on the controversial run-out of Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler in the Indian Premier League earlier this month.

Kings XI Punjab captain and bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has copped plenty of criticism for acting against the spirit of the contest, but within the law, in ‘Mankading’ Buttler in Jaipur this week.

‘Ashwin’s run-out of Buttler at the non-striker’s end provided controversy and a major talking point. I felt sorry for Buttler because he wasn’t trying to steal a run, and Ashwin did nothing wrong because he was operating within the laws,’ the Times of India quoted De Villiers as saying.

‘It’s still a grey area, and the law needs to be clarified. Either running a batsman out at the non-striker’s end is legal or it isn’t – can somebody please decide?’

The Royals lost the fixture by 14 runs – and will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.

‘Having extensively reviewed the incident again, and after further reflection, we don’t think it was within the spirit of the game,’ Marylebone Cricket Club academy and laws manager Fraser Stewart told Telegraph Sport.

‘We believe the pause was too long between the time Ashwin reached the crease and the moment it was reasonable to expect the ball would be delivered.’

Photo: SPORTZPICS for BCCI | Prashant Bhoot