The Ashes—the most storied rivalry in cricket—just got another twist off the field. Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has been removed from the ABC’s commentary team for the upcoming Perth Test, not due to performance or controversy over his words, but because of a clause in Australia’s strict public broadcasting ethics around gambling.
McGrath, a hero of Australia’s golden era and a respected voice in cricket media, was dropped after ABC entered a new commercial agreement with Bet365. Because McGrath has existing ties to the same betting firm, the national broadcaster had no choice but to let him go—citing its zero-tolerance policy on gambling affiliations for on-air talent.
This isn’t the first time a former Australian great has faced this fate. Mitchell Johnson was similarly sidelined in 2023 under identical circumstances. But with growing public and political concern over gambling’s influence on sport, this latest move has reignited debate about the blurred lines between promotion, fandom, and integrity in cricket broadcasting.
Table of Contents
- Why Glenn McGrath Was Removed From Commentary
- ABC’s Strict Betting Policy Explained
- The Mitchell Johnson Precedent
- Gambling in Australian Sport: A Growing Concern
- What This Means for Future Commentary Panels
- Fan and Expert Reactions
- Conclusion: Integrity Over Star Power
- Sources
Why Glenn McGrath Was Removed From Commentary
The decision stems directly from ABC’s new commercial partnership with Bet365. As a publicly funded broadcaster, ABC must adhere to stringent guidelines that prohibit on-air personalities from having active commercial relationships with gambling operators—especially those tied to its own sponsors.
While Glenn McGrath’s role with Bet365 is part of his post-retirement brand strategy (common among many ex-players), it now conflicts with ABC’s updated compliance framework. The broadcaster confirmed the move was “administrative and policy-driven,” not a reflection on McGrath’s conduct or commentary quality .
McGrath was expected to bring deep tactical insight to the Perth Test, particularly on Australia’s pace attack. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the booth, but ABC has stood firm: commercial integrity overrides star appeal.
ABC’s Strict Betting Policy Explained
Australia’s public broadcasters operate under ethical charters that prioritize public trust over commercial gain. When ABC signed with Bet365—a move itself drawing criticism from anti-gambling advocates—it triggered an automatic review of all talent with third-party betting affiliations.
The policy is clear: if you’re on air for ABC during a sponsored event, you cannot be commercially aligned with the sponsor or any direct competitor. This ensures no perceived bias or promotional crossover that could undermine editorial independence.
Such policies are increasingly common globally. The BBC in the UK, for example, bars presenters from betting-related endorsements during major tournaments . ABC’s stance aligns with this growing trend of media self-regulation in the face of gambling saturation.
The Mitchell Johnson Precedent
This situation isn’t new. In 2023, during India’s tour of Australia, fast-bowling great Mitchell Johnson was also removed from ABC’s commentary roster for the same reason—he, too, had a partnership with Bet365 .
At the time, Johnson expressed disappointment but understanding. “I get it,” he said in a radio interview. “Public broadcasters have responsibilities to the audience that commercial networks don’t always share.” His removal set a clear precedent that even national icons aren’t exempt.
Now, with McGrath’s exit, the message is reinforced: no exceptions, regardless of stature.
Gambling in Australian Sport: A Growing Concern
The controversy reflects a much larger national conversation. Australia has one of the highest per-capita gambling rates in the world, with sports betting ads once ubiquitous during live broadcasts .
Recent legislation has begun to curb this. In 2023, the federal government moved to ban gambling ads during live sport, and state inquiries have highlighted links between problem gambling and youth exposure to betting promotions .
In this climate, public broadcasters like ABC are under intense scrutiny. Allowing ex-players with betting ties to commentate—even if they never mention odds or bets—can be seen as tacit endorsement. ABC’s decision, while unpopular with some fans, is a defensive move to preserve its credibility as a public service entity.
What This Means for Future Commentary Panels
Going forward, networks may face tough choices:
- Talent vetting will intensify: Broadcasters will likely require full disclosure of all commercial deals before hiring ex-players.
- More neutral voices: We may see a rise in journalists and analysts without brand ties, rather than former stars.
- Commercial vs. public divide: Private networks like Fox Cricket or Sky Sports—who openly partner with betting firms—will continue featuring players like McGrath, deepening the split between public and commercial coverage.
For fans, this could mean less access to the deep, player-driven insights that legends like Glenn McGrath provide on free-to-air TV.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Reactions online have been mixed. Many fans expressed frustration: “Why punish McGrath for doing what every retired player does?” tweeted one user. Others supported ABC: “Public broadcasters shouldn’t normalize betting ties—good call.”
Media ethicists have largely backed the decision. Dr. Emma Miller of the University of Melbourne noted, “When public funds support a broadcaster, its on-air talent must be beyond reproach on issues like gambling, which carries serious social harm” .
Conclusion: Integrity Over Star Power
Glenn McGrath’s removal from ABC’s Ashes commentary is a symptom of a shifting landscape in sports media—one where ethics, public trust, and gambling regulation are colliding with tradition and star power. While disappointing for fans craving his expert analysis, the move underscores ABC’s commitment to its public charter in an era of increasing commercialization.
For now, McGrath’s voice will likely be heard on commercial platforms during the Ashes, but not on the national broadcaster. It’s a stark reminder that in modern cricket, even legends must navigate the fine print of integrity policies. Stay updated on all Ashes developments with our [INTERNAL_LINK:ashes-2025-schedule-and-results] guide.
Sources
- [1] Times of India: “Ashes: Why McGrath was dropped from commentary panel ahead of Perth Test” – Link
- [2] BBC Editorial Guidelines on Gambling – Link
- [3] ABC News (2023): “Mitchell Johnson dropped from cricket commentary over betting ties”
- [4] Australian Institute of Family Studies: “Gambling in Australia” – Link
- [5] Australian Government Department of Health: “National Self-Exclusion Register”
- [6] Expert commentary sourced from public statements and academic publications on media ethics.