Former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath has said that he regrets going on an safari hunt in 2008, after photos of him posing with dead animals were posted on social media.
The photos show McGrath crouching against a dead buffalo and two hyenas, and posing with elephant tusks.
McGrath admitted that the safari in Zimbabwe was, "in hindsight, highly inappropriate".
"It was an extremely difficult time in my life and looking back I deeply regret being involved," he told BBC Sport.
"Images like these are heartbreaking, whoever is taking part in this cruel activity," said a World Animal Protection charity statement.
"We're opposed to all forms of hunting and have campaigned for the end of wildlife hunting in various forms for decades."
Glenn McGrath holds the record for most Test wickets by a fast bowler, taking 563 before retiring in 2007.
