Glenn McGrath has been dropped from the ABC’s Ashes commentary team after he advised Aunty that he would be appearing in a Bet365 ad alongside his former skipper Ricky Ponting.
The Australian cricket legend, who is the nation’s all-time leading wicket-taker for a fast bowler with 563 scalps, has been part of the ABC’s popular Grandstand commentary team in recent years, but fell foul of an ABC rule that prohibits staff from having commercial arrangements with gambling companies.
An ABC spokesperson said McGrath and the broadcaster had “mutually parted ways”.
“The ABC and Glenn McGrath have mutually parted ways for this Ashes. We look forward to seeing Glenn around the grounds throughout the series and would welcome working with him in the future. Our great commentary team, led by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas, is excited for the first test in Perth this Friday.”
McGrath had been touted as a star signing in the ABC’s commentary team line-up, alongside his former team Darren Lehman, Stuart Clark and Jason Gillespie. The team will be led by legendary broadcasters Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas.
The Ashes is set to kick off in Perth and it’s where one of the greatest Test knocks took place.
Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath relive the extraordinary innings. pic.twitter.com/zpGYG92ZYG
— bet365 Australia (@bet365_aus) November 19, 2025
The decision to sever ties with McGrath is due to the ABC’s unease about on-air presenters being paid by third parties.
Additionally, gambling advertising is a contentious topic in Australia with the Albanese Government mulling over how to restrict betting ads during sports broadcasts.
It is not the first time the ABC has axed a commentator due to links with betting shops.
Mitchell Johnson was sent back to the shed in 2022 because of his ties with Bet Nation, labelling the decision “hypocritical”.
Ponting, who is part of Seven’s commentary team, has no issue giving up the mic as Seven does not prohibit talent with links to betting firms.
McGrath will still feature this summer as part of the BBC’s commentary line up.
