By Andrew Wu
The ABC is allowing former England spinner Phil Tufnell to remain on its Ashes coverage despite his links to a betting company.
Tufnell is part of a podcast, Stick To Cricket, sponsored by British betting exchange Betfair, but the ABC has ruled he has not contravened their conflict of interest policy.
Betfair’s logo features prominently in the branding of the podcast, which Tufnell co-hosts with former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook and former player turned commentator David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd.
Australian fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath was axed from the national broadcaster’s commentary team because of his association with a corporate bookmaker – but the ABC says Tufnell’s situation is different.
“The ABC is aware one of our cricket experts from the UK is a regular contributor to a podcast sponsored by a gambling company,” an ABC spokesperson told this masthead. “This arrangement is not a breach of the ABC’s Conflict of Interest policy or External Work Guidelines.”
Though both McGrath and Tufnell have clear connections to betting companies, there are subtle differences in their respective situations, resulting in different outcomes.
Cult following: Phil Tufnell.Credit: Visionhaus/Getty Images
McGrath has a direct contract to front bet365’s brand campaign alongside former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in a promotion released on Tuesday that is running concurrently with the Ashes in the ABC’s home market.
Tufnell is a regular contributor to a show that is sponsored by a betting company and has a foreign target audience.
The loss of Tufnell, who gained a cult following among Australian cricket fans in the 1990s – not for his fine left-arm spin but for his comical fielding, limited ability with the bat and exuberant personality – would have been a huge blow for the ABC.
Despite his larrikin persona, Tufnell is highly respected in cricket circles. Through his role with the BBC, he was given the only interview with England coach Brendon McCullum before the Ashes.
The ABC’s decision to part ways with McGrath for this summer made ripples outside of cricket, raising the ire of former prime minister Scott Morrison.
“I’m no fan of online betting, but I am a big fan of Glenn McGrath, the McGrath Foundation and cricket,” Morrison posted on X. “Glenn is entitled to earn a living and secure support for his very worthy charity as he judges. ABC should just say thank you and be happy that Glenn was willing to be on their team.”