An image of Mitchell Marsh celebrating Australia’s World Cup triumph has ruffled some feathers in the subcontinent, with Indian bowler Mohammed Shami voicing his disapproval.
Australia defeated hosts India by six wickets in last weekend’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad, chasing the 241-run target with 42 balls to spare.
Amid the celebrations, Australian captain Pat Cummins shared a photo to Instagram of Marsh posing with the trophy, resting his feet on the silverware with a beer in hand and a winner’s medal draped around his neck.
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The harmless picture drew the ire of some Indian supporters, including Shami.
“I am hurt,” he told reporters on Friday.
“The trophy for which all the teams in the world fight, the trophy which you want to lift over your head, keeping a foot on that trophy did not make me happy.”
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Shami was the leading wicket-taker of the World Cup with 24 scalps at 10.70, including a trio of five-wicket hauls against. The right-armer claimed 7-57 during the semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai, the best bowling figures by an Indian in World Cups.
One fan was so upset at Marsh’s actions that they filed a complaint letter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sports Ministry.
The letter demanded Marsh be “handed a lifetime ban from cricket” in India.
“By putting his feet on something that Indians consider sacred [the trophy], Marsh has disrespected both religious and cultural sentiments of the nation,” the complainant told The Quint.
Marsh, who scored 441 runs at 49.00 during the World Cup, was asked about the now iconic photo after he touched down in Melbourne earlier this week.
“It’s got a bit of legs that photo, hasn’t it?” he joked.
“Pardon the pun.”
The West Australian was unaware of the backlash to the image.
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“Am I? I haven’t seen a lot, but there you go,” he continued.
Marsh’s attention shifts to the home Test summer, which gets underway next month in Perth.
“It’s been a crazy 48 hours, but it’s nice to be back on home soil,” Marsh said.
“Tools down for a while, get home, see the family, relax, and then try and get ready for a big summer.”
The first Test between Australia and Pakistan starts at Perth Stadium on Thursday, December 14.
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