(Sports Correspondent: Iman Sohail)
Australian Legend Removed From Ashes Commentary Over Betting Association
Nov 19, 2025
Australia’s legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath has been dropped from the commentary team for the upcoming Ashes series after the ABC implemented its strict policies regarding associations with betting companies. The decision has sparked discussion across the Australian cricket community.
McGrath, a regular and respected part of ABC’s summer cricket coverage, was scheduled to join the expert panel for the Ashes starting in Perth. However, the network confirmed just days before the series opener that he would not be part of this year’s commentary lineup.
Reports suggest that McGrath recently partnered with bet365, a well-known betting brand and one of Cricket Australia’s commercial collaborators, for a new promotional campaign. ABC’s editorial guidelines do not allow contributors to have active links with gambling organizations, prompting the network to stand him down.
In its statement, the ABC described the decision as “mutual,” adding that they hope to work with McGrath again once there is no conflict with their policies.
Sources indicate that McGrath’s team had informed the ABC about the bet365 agreement a month earlier and understood it could affect his commentary position.
With McGrath unavailable, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody is expected to join the commentary team for the Perth Test, alongside Darren Lehmann, Jason Gillespie, Stuart Clark, Jim Maxwell, and Corbin Middlemas.
For the ABC, McGrath’s absence is significant — not only due to his legendary cricket career but also because he has become a respected voice in their summer broadcasts.
McGrath’s representatives have not commented on the development, while the ABC maintains that future collaboration remains possible once policy requirements are met.
