Glenn McGrath removed from ABC commentary panel before Ashes
Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has been removed from ABC’s radio commentary panel just days ahead of the Ashes series, due to his commercial relationship with the bookmaker Bet365, reports BritPanorama.
The former pace bowler, who took 563 Test wickets for Australia in 124 matches, was set to provide analysis for the national broadcaster’s coverage of the prestigious series.
This decision aligns with ABC’s strict policy against staff maintaining connections with gambling enterprises. McGrath had recently featured in promotional materials for the ABC’s Ashes coverage prior to the announcement.
Despite this setback, McGrath will still participate in commentary for BBC’s Test Match Special programme. Meanwhile, ABC’s line-up for the opening Test, scheduled to take place at Perth this Friday, remains directed by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas.
The timing of McGrath’s exit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with recent marketing campaigns featuring him for the Ashes. This controversy echoes a similar incident in 2022 when former cricketer Mitchell Johnson departed from ABC Radio after discovering that his role with Bet Nation conflicted with the broadcaster’s anti-gambling policy.
Johnson expressed his frustration at the time, questioning the inconsistency in what the broadcaster allowed and highlighting a perceived hypocrisy regarding gambling associations. Reflecting on these developments, he noted, “There seems to be a lot of hypocrisy that goes with this rule. I don’t understand and you start to wonder about what you can and can’t say if you are calling for them [the ABC].”
McGrath’s ties with Bet365 are tied to the company’s support of his charitable initiatives, particularly the McGrath Foundation’s annual Pink Test event in Sydney. Despite discussions involving ABC managing director Hugh Marks, no exceptions to the policy were made. This stance appears to be rooted in a desire for fairness among employees.
As the world of cricket gears up for another Ashes series, McGrath’s absence serves as a reminder of the tightrope walked by sporting figures in navigating commercial partnerships, particularly in an era increasingly scrutinised for gambling associations.
