Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has chosen to remain tight-lipped about a recent promotional video in which Australian cricketers mocked India’s no-handshake policy, despite Marsh himself appearing in the clip. As India and Australia prepare for a much-anticipated three-match ODI series, Marsh kept his focus on cricket during the pre-match press conference in Perth, avoiding any comments that could spark further controversy.
promotion, which surfaced on October 15 via Kayo Sportssparked immediate criticism on social media. It featured Australian women players jokingly referring to India’s decision to avoid shaking hands with Pakistan during the Asia Cup and the Women’s FIFA World Cup, a move taken after the Pahalgam terror attacks and subsequent attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. When asked about the video before the start of the ODI, Marsh denied any recollection of the clip and admitted he had not even seen it.
“I haven’t actually seen the ad, I don’t know if it blows. I don’t have much to comment on,” Marsh said.
In the video, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Grace Harris came up with playful alternatives to the handshake. Maxwell and Fraser-McGurk’s attempt at a fistfight ended in hilarious failure, while Harris and Sophie Molinuex contributed their own imaginative and witty ideas and kept the segment light-hearted.
While the promo was intended to generate interest ahead of the marquee series, it was reportedly pulled after criticism on social media. Marsh, who took over as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins due to injury, kept his focus on cricket during the pre-match press conference.
The ODI series has already generated huge excitement, especially because it features the return of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket after an eight-month break. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers, with ticket sales reflecting the anticipation surrounding the duo’s return. The Perth ODI is sold out, underscoring public interest in witnessing two of India’s most famous white-ball players in action.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
October 18, 2025
