A significant rift has emerged between Cricket Australia and the national broadcaster after a media ban was imposed on the ABC, prompting a high-level intervention from the broadcaster's managing director.
Personal Comments Spark Controversy
The dispute erupted following on-air comments made by former Australian Test fast bowler and now ABC commentator, Stuart Clark, during the Sydney Test. Speaking live on Monday, Clark offered a scathing assessment of several senior Cricket Australia figures.
He questioned the credentials of James Allsopp, CA's head of community cricket, describing him as a "grade club cricket coach that throws underarm balls to kids." Clark also expressed uncertainty over the role of high-performance chief Ben Oliver and doubted whether chairman of selectors George Bailey possessed the necessary "gravitas or leadership skills" to direct national team leaders like Andrew McDonald, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins.
Cricket Australia's Swift Response
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg deemed Clark's remarks "personal" and "out of order." In response, CA imposed a media ban, preventing Australian Test players from conducting interviews with ABC staff after Day 3 of the Sydney Test. The organisation maintains it asked the ABC if Clark would retract his comments, but he refused.
The ban prompted ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks to personally phone Greenberg on Tuesday night to vent his displeasure at the decision. The ABC holds the radio broadcast rights for this summer's Ashes series, adding significant weight to the confrontation.
Stand-off and Aftermath
Cricket Australia asserts it had already decided to lift the ban and allow players to resume speaking with the ABC after Day 4 of the Test, prior to Marks's complaint call. While broadcasters have no contractual right to post-play interviews, CA typically facilitates them to maintain broadcaster relationships.
Clark addressed the controversy on ABC radio on Wednesday morning, stating, "It's my opinion. Personally, I've moved on." He defended his record, pointing out he has also been complimentary of CA officials in the past. The incident has drawn criticism from other media figures, with former AFL star Kane Cornes labelling CA's stance as "laughable."
