Ashes 2025-26: Why Glenn McGrath has been dropped from commentary panel?

Published - 19 Nov 2025, 15:34 IST | Updated - 19 Nov 2025, 15:48 IST

Ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes, Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has been removed from ABC’s commentary lineup. The decision was made after his upcoming commercial partnership with betting giant Bet365.

The former pacer, who has been a regular feature in ABC’s cricket coverage in recent years, was originally confirmed as part of their panel for the Ashes. However, the network follows a strict no-gambling-affiliation policy for its talent across both news and sport. Once McGrath’s management informed ABC about his new association with Bet365, a major commercial player and a well-known “gold partner” of Cricket Australia, the broadcaster was left with no choice but to enforce its rules.

The situation is similar to the controversy around former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, who was also dropped by ABC in 2022 due to similar betting-related affiliations. According to reports, McGrath’s management reached out to the broadcaster nearly a month before the Ashes to clarify the details of his upcoming partnership. However, it did not change ABC’s decision as the broadcaster stated that any affiliation with wagering companies violates its internal policies.

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Following the discussions, the two parties mutually parted ways, as confirmed by an ABC spokesperson. Although McGrath’s name remained on the commentary roster until just a week ago, ABC updated its lineup after finalising his exit. The spokesperson also revealed that while he will not be part of the commentary team, the network is open to working with him in the future and expects to see him around the grounds during the series.

His association with Bet365 also raised questions. With the betting company’s branding already prominently visible throughout Ashes broadcasts due to its partnership with Cricket Australia, there was immense criticism about having one of its ambassadors in an ABC commentary role. Recently, active Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja criticised the government for not acting fast enough on gambling advertisements, indicating growing public and player frustration.

In McGrath’s absence, ABC has changed its team. Former World Cup winner Tom Moody will step in for the first Test in Perth, joining a panel featuring Darren Lehmann, Jason Gillespie, Stuart Clark, Jim Maxwell, and Corbin Middlemas.