ASHES SCANDAL: Australian Cricket Legend Glenn McGrath AXED by ABC Over Betting Agency Ties as Scott Morrison Weighs In
- Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has been sensationally dumped by the ABC from his commentary duties over his connections with betting agency bet365.
- The 55-year-old, a regular addition to the ABC’s coverage, won’t be commentating on the Ashes due to the national broadcaster’s strict policy forbidding employees from having ties with betting agencies.
- Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has thrown his support behind McGrath, saying the cricket great is “entitled to earn a living and secure support for his very worthy charity”.
The ABC’s decision to axe McGrath from his commentary duties has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, with many coming out in support of the Australian legend. McGrath’s ties with bet365, which have been in place for some time, were deemed to be in breach of the ABC’s policy.
But what’s really sparked outrage is the fact that McGrath was only dumped after a recent brand campaign with former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting, which launched on social media on Wednesday. The campaign, set to run all summer, reportedly tipped the broadcaster over the edge.
As the news broke, Scott Morrison took to social media to express his support for McGrath, saying: “I’m no fan of online betting, but I am a big fan of Glenn McGrath, the McGrath Foundation and cricket. Glenn is entitled to earn a living and secure support for his very worthy charity as he judges. ABC should just say thank you and be happy that Glenn was willing to be on their team.”
McGrath’s departure is not the first time the ABC’s betting policy has caused controversy. In 2022, Mitchell Johnson was forced out of his commentary role due to a link with Bet Nation. Johnson publicly criticised the policy, saying it was “hypocrisy” and that he didn’t understand what he could and couldn’t say while working for the ABC.
The Ashes gets underway on Friday, with Tom Moody set to replace McGrath in the commentary box alongside ABC regulars Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas. McGrath will reportedly continue his role as a commentator with the BBC’s radio operation.
The drama comes just days before the Ashes begins, with many in the cricket world left reeling from the news. McGrath’s fans will be disappointed to hear that they won’t be hearing his iconic voice during the series, but the legendary fast-bowler will no doubt continue to be a major presence in the cricket world.