Australian pace great Glenn McGrath has been pulled from his commentary duties with the ABC over his connections with a betting company.
McGrath had been earmarked to be a cricket expert on the national broadcaster’s coverage of the Ashes but is a sensational late scratching.
Glenn McGrath will not be part of the ABC’s Ashes radio coverage this summer.Credit: Getty Images
The ABC has a policy banning its employees from having an association with betting agencies.
McGrath, who has become a staple of the ABC’s cricket coverage in recent seasons, is taking part in a brand campaign with bet365 alongside former Australia captain Ricky Ponting that will run this summer.
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A source close to McGrath said his camp had contacted the ABC about a month ago informing them of the legendary fast bowler’s new commercial arrangement and its potential ramifications for his deal with the network.
World Cup winner Tom Moody is taking over from McGrath in Perth, an industry source has told this masthead.
McGrath’s absence is a blow for the ABC, which has restored star power to its coverage with the recruitment of former national coach Darren Lehmann and former Test quicks Jason Gillespie and Stuart Clark to provide expert analysis alongside doyen Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas.
McGrath’s management declined to comment, while the ABC has been contacted for comment.
