Michael Vaughan got banned from English coverage of the Ashes this winter because of his racist remarks as alleged by Azeem Rafiq. The channels under BT Sport group will not broadcast any commentary that involves Michael Vaughan after the commencement of the series from next month in Brisbane. The former captain was resigned by BBC radio for “editorial reasons” this Wednesday.
BT Sports group isn’t sending a commenting team to Australia that complicated the group’s position.
They have planned to use an audio feed provided by Fox Sports because they have long-term contract with Vaughan. It is speculated that the executives of BT Sports have told Fox Stars Vaughan. There are alternate options for their commentary.
Further Fox Stars stated that they will stand by Vaughan but under pressure, they might change their notion (just like BBC stood down him). BT Sport have their own plan to make a team that will commentate remotely from a studio in London. The team includes Sir Ian Botham, Ricky Ponting, Damien Fleming and Simon Katich.
Michael Vaughan was a freelance commentator on BT Sports, unlike Fox Stars with whom he has a contract.
BT Sports also planning to include names like Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh.
Michael Vaughan on the other hand doesn’t agree with the racist allegations made by Azeem Rafiq but still, BBC has decided not to use him on test Match Special or Radio 5 Live in this winter season.
BBC mentioned “While he is involved in a significant story in cricket, for editorial reasons we do not believe that it would be appropriate for Michael Vaughan to have a role in our Ashes team or wider coverage of the sport at the moment. We require our contributors to talk about relevant topics and his involvement in the Yorkshire story represents a conflict of interest.’’
Given these recent events, strict laws need to be implemented against racism.
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