Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh opened up on the controversy that he became a part of post his team's World Cup win in India.
Marsh was seen posing with his feet on the World Cup trophy as he suffered a major backlash after the photo went viral on social media.
It's been 12 days since Australia defeated India and Marsh has now finally broken his silence over the controversial gesture.
The star all-rounder said that he meant no disrespect for his viral celebration after he faced massive criticism, especially in India.
"There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all. I haven't given it too much thought, I haven't seen a lot on social media even though everyone tells me it's gone off. There is nothing in that," Marsh said.
Notably, Australia defeated the hosts India in the final to clinch their sixth World Cup title with Travis Head playing a match-winning knock.
On the other hand, Marsh amassed 441 runs in the tournament which was looking a bit off for the Aussies with the defeats in the first two matches.
However, they won all of their remaining matches and carried the momentum in the final to get the better of the Rohit Sharma-led side who also were undefeated in the tournament.
India star batter Virat Kohli was named 'Player of the Tournament' having set a new record for most runs, scoring 765 at a single World Cup.
India's star pacer Mohammad Shami, who ended up being the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, also reacted to Marsh's viral photo with the trophy.
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"This hurt me a lot as well. All countries fight for this trophy, everyone wants to lift the trophy over their head. And I didn't like that he rested his foot on that trophy. He should not be doing that," Shami had said during an interaction with media persons.