Glenn McGrath ‘deeply regrets’ hunting safari

The New Daily
Feb 21, 2015, updated Feb 21, 2015

Getty

Former Test paceman Glenn McGrath has apologised after photos emerged on Twitter holding a rifle next to a dead elephant and other animals.

A social media storm erupted over the photos, which came to light on Saturday.

“Shooting wild animals and posing in front of them isn’t cool @glennmcgrath11,” one Twitter user posted.

• Farewell to Brett Lee, an all-time great
• The top 10 World Cup moments of all time

“Glenn McGrath game hunter. Yes, that’s a dead elephant he’s grinning about. Won’t give any more $ to his foundation,” another user tweeted.

One tweet pleaded for a response from the famous former paceman turned philanthropist: “OMG please say it isn’t true @glennmcgrath11”.

The photos, originally posted on the website of Chipitani Safari Co, also showed McGrath posing with a dead buffalo, dead wild cats and a number of animal bones.

One of the photos of Glenn McGrath. Photo: Twitter

They appear on Twitter with an accompanying caption “Glenn McGrath 2008”.

The photos no longer appear on the website of Chipitani Safari Co, which claims to “specialise in the best dangerous and plainsgame hunting in Zimbabwean concessions”.

“Track buffalo and tuskless elephant on foot, the real way! Also lion, crocodile, hippo, leopard, sable, kudu and eland,” the company says on its site.

McGrath said in a statement posted on Twitter later on Saturday afternoon that he regretted the hunting trip.

“In 2008 I participated in a hunting safari in Zimbabwe that was licensed and legal but in hindsight highly inappropriate,” he said.

“It was an extremely difficult time in my life and looking back I deeply regret being involved.”

McGrath’s wife Jane died in June 2008.

The former quick’s apology appeased some, but others were still bemused by his actions.