Cricket Australia Imposes Media Ban Following Critical Commentary
Cricket Australia (CA) has taken the extraordinary step of banning the national public broadcaster, the ABC, from conducting post-play interviews with Australian cricketers. This decisive action came in direct response to sharp on-air criticism levelled at senior CA figures by former Test fast bowler and ABC commentator, Stuart Clark.
The ban was enforced after the third day of the Sydney Test on Tuesday, following Clark's commentary the previous day. During his segment on ABC radio, Clark launched a savage critique of selector George Bailey and head of cricket James Allsopp, questioning their credentials and authority.
The Comments That Lit the Fuse
Clark did not hold back in his assessment. He described James Allsopp, who runs community cricket, as 'a grade club cricket coach that throws underarm balls to kids', while acknowledging he was a 'lovely guy'. Clark questioned whether Allsopp had the standing to instruct coach Andrew McDonald or captain Steve Smith.
His scrutiny then turned to chairman of selectors George Bailey, querying if Bailey possessed the necessary gravitas and leadership skills to direct McDonald, Smith, or Pat Cummins. 'He should do, 100 per cent, but I don't think he does,' Clark stated. He also expressed uncertainty over the role of high-performance chief Ben Oliver.
CA's chief executive, Todd Greenberg, later characterised Clark's remarks as 'personal' and 'out of order', justifying the subsequent media blackout imposed on the ABC.
Backlash and Defence of Public Interest
The move was immediately condemned on air by fellow ABC commentator Corbin Middlemas. He emphasised that the Australian team is a public good, not a private enterprise, and expressed disappointment for listeners across the country, particularly in regional areas, who were denied access to the players' perspectives.
The incident ignited a fierce reaction online, with many Australians criticising CA's stance. One social media user warned that 'banning the media because they say something you don't like is a dangerous game'. Another drew parallels with the Indian cricket board's approach to criticism, while a third highlighted the irony of a body funded by public interest banning a broadcaster funded by the public.
Despite the furore, Stuart Clark, who played 24 Tests and took 94 wickets for Australia, declined to escalate the conflict publicly. He revealed he had spoken with Greenberg, a friend of 20 years, and stated, 'I am not going to get into a public spat with Todd... From my point of view there is no point in having a war of words.' Clark also noted his commentary had not been exclusively negative, having praised CA officials at other times.
While there is no formal obligation for CA to provide players to the ABC, the expectation is that normal interview access will resume. The row underscores the ongoing tension between sporting bodies and media scrutiny, raising questions about access, criticism, and the public's right to hear from their national representatives.
