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Cricket Australia cuts off ABC after Stuart Clark’s fiery leadership critique

A war of words turns into a media blackout. Why Stuart Clark’s on-air attack on cricket’s top brass left the ABC sidelined—and Steve Smith silent.

,   and  ASMedia
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In this picture we can see cricket ground. Here we can see players who are wearing blue dress and...
In this picture we can see cricket ground. Here we can see players who are wearing blue dress and here we can see umpire who are wearing red dress. Here we can see audience who are sitting on the stadium and watching the game. On the top of the stadium we can see focus lights. At the top we can see sky and clouds. Here we can see banner.

Cricket Australia cuts off ABC after Stuart Clark’s fiery leadership critique

Cricket Australia has stopped giving player interviews to the ABC after sharp criticism from commentator Stuart Clark. The former Test bowler called selector George Bailey and head of cricket James Allsopp unfit for their roles. The dispute escalated when the broadcaster was denied access to players following day three of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

Tensions rose further when Steve Smith spoke to rival networks instead of the ABC, prompting another on-air critique from the broadcaster’s team.

The row began when Clark, working as an ABC commentator, labelled Allsopp a 'grade coach' and questioned Bailey’s leadership. He claimed the selector lacked the necessary presence for the job. His remarks drew a swift response from Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, who arranged a meeting to voice his disapproval.

Greenberg, who took charge of the organisation in 2024, defended both Bailey and Allsopp. He highlighted Allsopp’s long-standing reputation within Cricket Australia, where he had climbed through various management positions. Bailey, appointed chief selector in 2021, has faced repeated criticism from former players, but the board has continued to back him. Clark later described his discussion with Greenberg as cordial, noting their 20-year acquaintance and past disagreements. Despite the friction, no further action was taken against the commentator. Meanwhile, the ABC’s Corbin Middlemas used the airwaves to criticise Cricket Australia after Smith bypassed the broadcaster for post-match interviews. By the close of play on day three, the governing body had refused to provide any player for an ABC interview. The move marked a clear shift in relations between the organisation and the national broadcaster.

The standoff leaves the ABC without direct access to Australian players for the foreseeable future. Cricket Australia’s decision follows a pattern of defending its leadership against public criticism. For now, the dispute remains unresolved, with no indication of when interviews might resume.

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