In a move that mirrors past tensions between broadcasting policy and sponsorship, Glenn McGrath has been dropped from ABC commentary ahead of the Ashes due to his ties with the betting company bet365.

This follows a precedent at ABC where other figures faced similar restrictions, such as Mitchell Johnson quitting in 2022 over his association with Bet Nation, highlighting a broader policy stance.

The broader pattern in Australian sport media shows figures leaving broadcasts because of gambling sponsorships, underscoring ongoing policy-sponsorship conflicts.

The Ashes 2025-26 is a five-match Test series between Australia and England, kicking off in late November in Perth, with Steve Smith standing in for Pat Cummins who is injured and England aiming to end a long drought of Test wins in Australia.

World Cup winner Tom Moody will take McGrath’s place in Perth, per industry sources.

McGrath had a storied international career with 563 wickets in 124 Tests and remains a high-profile voice in Ashes coverage.

Perth hosts the first Test on Friday, and McGrath is still expected to influence public sentiment through BBC broadcasts and social/media presence despite his ABC departure.

McGrath publicly predicted a 5-0 series whitewash for Australia on BBC Radio 5 Live, arguing England’s chances would be slim given top bowlers and favorable home conditions.

ABC has strengthened its cricket team with analysts like Darren Lehmann, Jason Gillespie, and Stuart Clark alongside Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas to boost star power.

A 2023 parliamentary report noted that celebrity endorsements can effectively market gambling, raising regulatory and ethical considerations in sport.

McGrath will continue to comment for the BBC’s Test Match Special and remain active around the grounds, but will not appear in ABC broadcasts.

ABC’s commentary team, led by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas, will cover the series starting with the Perth Test, with ABC emphasizing a policy against staff having commercial gambling ties.