All-time great fast bowler Glenn McGrath has been excluded from ABC’s Ashes commentary lineup after the broadcaster determined that his association with online bookmaker Bet365 contravened its strict anti-gambling code. The decision came ahead of the marquee series and follows internal scrutiny over McGrath’s ongoing connection with the company, which supports the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Test in Sydney. ABC confirmed his exit, stating that both parties had “mutually parted ways for this Ashes,” while stressing that the broadcaster remained open to future collaborations. In an official statement given to the Daily Mail, ABC said, "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.' McGrath becomes the latest high-profile figure to be ruled out under the policy that bars employees or contributors from having commercial ties with gambling entities. ABC’s ruling mirrors the earlier case of former pacer Mitchell Johnson, who resigned in 2022 after the corporation informed him that his work with Bet Nation breached its guidelines. Johnson later criticised the rule, claiming he felt blindsided and questioning whether commentators were expected to mirror the organisation’s “moral compass.” Read also: Ravichandran Ashwin Criticises Umpiring in Ranji Trophy for Casual Appeal Handling A policy with precedent and expanding consequences ABC insiders noted that senior leadership, including managing director Hugh Marks, reviewed McGrath’s situation but concluded that an exemption would undermine the fairness of the regulation. The broadcaster has previously applied the rule across sporting codes. Former AFL player Brendon Goddard was removed from ABC’s coverage in 2022 for hosting a podcast sponsored by Sportsbet, reinforcing the corporation’s uncompromising stance. Despite the setback, McGrath will remain active during the Ashes through his role with the BBC commentary team. ABC’s coverage will now be led by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas, supported by former players Darren Lehmann, Jason Gillespie, Stuart Clark, and ex-England spinner Phil Tufnell. As of now, ABC has offered no further public comment beyond its initial confirmation.