Australian cricket icon Glenn McGrath has been removed from ABC's radio commentary panel merely days before the Ashes commence on Friday, owing to his commercial relationship with bookmaker Bet365.
The legendary pace bowler, who captured 563 Test wickets across 124 matches for Australia, was scheduled to provide expert analysis for the national broadcaster's coverage of the prestigious series.
His departure comes as ABC enforces its strict policy prohibiting staff from maintaining connections with gambling enterprises.
The 55-year-old had already appeared in promotional content for ABC's Ashes coverage before the decision was finalised.
Glenn McGrath has been axed by the ABC after his connections with Bet365
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ABC confirmed the separation through an official statement: "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."
The broadcaster's commentary lineup, headed by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas, remains prepared for the opening Test at Perth this Friday.
Despite losing his ABC position, McGrath will continue providing commentary through BBC's Test Match Special programme.
The timing proves particularly awkward given McGrath's inclusion in recent promotional campaigns for ABC's Ashes coverage.
This situation mirrors the 2022 controversy when fellow pace bowling great Mitchell Johnson departed ABC Radio after discovering his employment with Bet Nation breached the broadcaster's anti-gambling stance.
Glenn McGrath's association with Bet365 arose through the company's backing of his foundation's charitable initiatives
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Johnson, who claimed 313 Test wickets, expressed frustration at the time, stating: "There seems to be a lot of hypocrisy that goes with this rule. I don't understand and you start to wonder about what you can and can't say if you are calling for them [the ABC]."
McGrath's betting firm connection stems from Bet365's sponsorship of the McGrath Foundation's Pink Test held annually in Sydney.
Reports indicate ABC managing director Hugh Marks participated in discussions, though ultimately no exception could be granted.
Johnson had previously criticised what he perceived as the ABC's "moral compass" regarding gambling associations, questioning the consistency of the broadcaster's stance.
The former Australian quick remarked: "It's blown me away a little bit... do we have to make sure we have to align with the ABC's moral compass?"
McGrath's association with Bet365 arose through the company's backing of his foundation's charitable initiatives, particularly the annual Pink Test fundraising event.
The decision reportedly involved senior management deliberations, with reports suggesting fairness to other employees prevented any special dispensation being granted to the bowling great.