Indian cricket officials are reportedly on the lookout for another former Australian player to commentate the Aussies’ upcoming Test series against India, with ex-captain Michael Clarke set to be replaced.
The fallout for Clarke continues after footage last week emerged of his public altercation with girlfriend Jade Yarbrough in Noosa.
It was reported last week that The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was reviewing its plans to include Clarke in its commentary team for the Aussies’ highly-anticipated tour, which commences on February 9.
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The Age published a story on Monday afternoon reporting the BCCI was now seeking another ex-player to replace Clarke and perform the TV role. Matthew Hayden is the other former Australian player set to be part of the commentary team for the series.
The Daily Telegraph minutes later reported Indian cricket bosses had been “holding secret talks” with former Australian players as potential replacements for Clarke.
The BCCI declined to comment to both publications when contacted.
While the four-Test series will be shown on Fox Cricket, the BCCI appoints TV commentary teams for series’ in India then sells off the rights to broadcasters.
The Daily Telegraph reported Clarke hasn’t signed anything with BCCI, nor has the Indian cricket board reached out to Clarke since the footage of him in Noosa went viral.
Clarke returned to the radio airwaves with The Big Sports Breakfast on Monday morning, but barely addressed the filmed fracas during the show.
He also didn’t mention his commentary role in India, but revealed he had recently been approached to commentate on the upcoming Pakistan Super League T20 competition.
“You should see the internationals they’ve got,” Clarke said of the PSL on The Big Sports Breakfast. “So many overseas players are going and playing in that tournament.”
Clarke’s planned trip to India in February was referenced by Yarbrough in their screaming match, hinting Clarke had asked his ex-girlfriend Pip Edwards to accompany him to India.
“You want to send her to India with you?” Yarbrough can be heard screaming in the video.
“‘You’re the love of my life Pip, come with me to India’.”
The altercation between Clarke and Yarbrough in Noosa was filmed by a member of the public, with TV show host Karl Stefanovic seen attempting to defuse the situation.
Clarke and Yarbrough were both fined by Queensland Police for creating a public nuisance after the footage emerged.
Clarke issued an apology as the video was published by The Daily Telegraph.
“I’m absolutely gutted I’ve put people I hold in the highest regard in this position. My actions in the lead-up to this altercation were nothing short of shameful and regrettable,” Clarke said last week.
“I am shattered that because of my actions I’ve drawn women of class and integrity, and my mates, into this situation.”
