Australian Legend Dropped from Ashes Commentary Over Betting Link

Australia’s iconic fast bowler Glenn McGrath has been removed from his commentary duties for the upcoming Ashes after the ABC enforced its strict policy against associations with betting companies — a development that has created quite a stir in Australian cricket circles.

McGrath, a familiar voice on ABC’s summer cricket coverage in recent years, was set to be part of the broadcaster’s expert panel once again as the Aussies hosted the Ashes on home soil. But just days before the Ashes was set to get underway in Perth, the network confirmed he would not be in the commentary box this season.

Glenn McGrath reportedly teamed up with bet365 recently — a well-known betting company and one of Cricket Australia’s commercial partners — as part of a new brand campaign. Under ABC’s editorial guidelines, employees or contributors cannot have links with gambling platforms, forcing the broadcaster to withdraw him from the lineup.

In its official statement, the ABC described the parting as “mutual,” adding that they hope to work with McGrath again once the arrangement no longer conflicts with their policy.

Sources close to the former pacer revealed that McGrath’s camp had already informed the ABC a month earlier about the bet365 deal and expected it might impact his broadcasting role.

With McGrath sidelined, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody is set to step in as part of the commentary lineup for the Perth Test, joining Darren Lehmann, former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie, Stuart Clark, Jim Maxwell, and Corbin Middlemas.

For the ABC, McGrath’s absence is a notable loss — not just because of his cricketing stature, but also because he has become a reliable and respected voice across their summer coverage.

McGrath’s management has declined to comment, while the ABC insists the door remains open for future collaboration once the conflict of interest is resolved.