Glenn McGrath, the Australian cricket legend, will not be part of ABC's commentary team for the upcoming Ashes series after the broadcaster and McGrath mutually decided to part ways. The decision stems from McGrath's new commercial partnership with Bet365, a major betting company.
ABC maintains a strict policy that prohibits its commentators and presenters from having affiliations with wagering companies, regardless of whether they are involved in news or sports coverage. McGrath's management informed ABC about the upcoming partnership with Bet365, a "gold partner" of Cricket Australia, before the final decision was made. This prompted the broadcaster to enforce its internal policies.
An ABC spokesperson confirmed that McGrath and the broadcaster "mutually parted ways" for the Ashes series. The spokesperson added, "We look forward to seeing Glenn around the grounds throughout the series and would welcome working with him in the future".
McGrath had been initially confirmed as part of ABC's commentary team for the Ashes series. His name remained on the commentary roster until recently. The broadcaster has since updated its lineup. Tom Moody will replace McGrath for the first Test in Perth, joining a commentary team that includes Darren Lehmann, Jason Gillespie, Stuart Clark, Jim Maxwell, and Corbin Middlemas.
The situation echoes a similar incident in 2022 when former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson left ABC due to his involvement with betting agencies. Johnson had criticized the broadcaster's decision at the time. He questioned whether commentators needed to align with the ABC's "moral compass" to remain on air.
The issue of sports betting sponsorships remains a contentious one in Australia. Gambling companies often enlist retired athletes to build brand awareness and credibility. A 2023 federal parliamentary inquiry highlighted how celebrity-driven gambling promotions can dilute public awareness of associated risks. Recently, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja criticized the government for its slow response to gambling advertisements. He emphasized the dangers of linking gambling with sports and athletes.
McGrath is reportedly set to feature in a commercial campaign alongside Ricky Ponting for Bet365. While he will not be part of the ABC commentary team, McGrath will continue to call for the BBC.
