Angry Indian cricket fans have criticized Mitch Marsh after he accused the Australian star of disrespecting the Cricket World Cup trophy.
Australia are in the midst of a huge celebration after their incredible victory over India in Ahmedabad on Sunday, with Travis Head leading Pat Cummins’ side to a six-wicket win in front of 130,000 opponents.
The Aussies are all too familiar with the famous World Cup trophy, having won it six times, with India desperate to lift the silverware on home soil before falling at the final hurdle.
And, still heartbroken by the manner in which they were defeated in Ahmedabad, India fans were far from impressed with Marsh after a photo of the batsman putting his feet on the trophy circulated.
Mufaddal Vohra, who has a Twitter account with 750,000 followers, posted the photo with the caption: “Mitchell Marsh with the World Cup.”
Mitchell Marsh has infuriated Indian fans with this photo of himself holding the World Cup trophy
A barrage of comments followed condemning the Australian, labeling the 32-year-old as ‘disrespectful’.
“Dude, that’s respect for the World Cup, please,” said one fan, while another said: “No respect for the World Cup” alongside a heartbroken emoji.
“Bro, show some respect for the World Cup trophy,” a third fan added. ‘Ask Indian fans or team India about the value of this trophy.’
“It’s really sad when those who really respect the trophy don’t get a chance to touch it, while those who don’t care about it get multiple chances,” another fan complained. ‘Heartbreaking, indeed.’
“Very disrespectful ICC must take action against Marsh,” said a fifth supporter.
He was accused of being ‘disrespectful’ after Australia’s victory in Ahmedabad
After the win, Marsh showed anything but a lack of respect for the tournament and the trophy.
‘Pure elation. I said to a few guys earlier, it’s been the toughest eight weeks of cricket I’ve ever been a part of,” he said.
‘We were 0-2 (after two games) and Sri Lanka were not 0-120 (in Australia’s third match), so that feels like a lifetime ago. To be here with this group (as champions) is incredible.”