Mumbai Indians batsman Kieron Pollard courted controversy in the Indian Premier League when he appeared to deliberately take a short run in order to retain the strike.

As Kings XI bowler Mohit Sharma began the final over, Mumbai still needed 16 from the final six balls. Pollard smashed the ball down the ground, but didn't get the connection he wanted and it was cut off by Glenn Maxwell patrolling the boundary, reports cricket.com.au

With Harbhajhan Singh at the non-striker's end, Mumbai desperately wanted two so Pollard could retain the strike and increase their hopes of reaching the victory target.

And so the big West Indian turned and lumbered back for the second, grounding his bat well short of the popping crease at the bowler’s end in a bid to return before Maxwell's throw came in.

As it was, Maxwell's throw was wide and Pollard safely made his ground. But the umpire spotted the obvious short run and observers were quick to point out on social media it smacked of a deliberate tactic.

The Laws of cricket allow for the second of the two runs in such an instance to count, even though the batsman had been short on the first. Mumbai were duly awarded one run to their total and Pollard remained on strike.