Bowlers should not have any second thoughts now: Ashwin on controversial runout at non-striker's end

Ravichandran Ashwin has welcomed MCC's decision to amend its laws regarding run-out at non-striker's end, saying bowlers now should not have any "second thoughts" in dismissing the batter if he steps out before the delivery is released. Custodians of cricket laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club earlier this month re-classified the controversial runout, from law 41's 'unfair play' and incorporated it within law 38 pertaining to legitimate run outs.

Read AlsoExplained: MCC's nine sweeping changes to cricket laws and how they will change the game

As part of the safety protocols put in place post Covid, cricketers were not allowed to use saliva on the ball to shine it. Now, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of cricket laws, as part of its amendments to its 2022 code, have completely banned the use of saliva to shine

It's one of the nine changes that the MCC made to its code, which is set to come into effect from October this year. Ashwin said the decision to not runout the bowler's end batter can have a career-destroying impact. "My dear fellow bowlers, please understand. The extra step the non-striker is taking might end up destroying your entire career," Ashwin, who had ignited a debate about the tactic's legitimacy by dismissing England's Jos Buttler in an Indian Premier League match in 2019, said in a YouTube video.

ICC Destigmatizes Run-Out at Non Striker's End | Pak v Aus | Around the World of Cricket | E2

"If the non-striker ends up on strike because of that extra step he is taking, he might smash a six. Whereas the current striker might have gotten out. If you take a wicket, you will grow in your career, whereas if you are smashed for a six, your career may go downwards. So the impact is huge.