Activists of an animal rights group on Monday protested outside the Wankhede stadium, venue of the 2011 cricket World Cup final, against the use of leather balls in the popular sport.

The activists, representing the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, held signs resembling cricket balls that read - 'Give Cows A Break: Choose Fake' and bats emblazoned with the words 'No Leather' and asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to switch over to synthetic balls.

"Synthetic balls are not only kinder to animals but also safer for the environment. They are superior to leather balls because they can be made more durable and water resistant, and with the technology available, they can be customised to meet players needs," PETA campaigner Sachin Bangera said.

"We are calling on the ICC to show that cricket is truly a gentleman's sport by choosing synthetic balls over leather ones," Bangera said.

The animal rights organisation aims to let the ICC know that animals killed for their skins are routinely abused and cruelly slaughtered and that leather production wreaks havoc on the environment and human health.