- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Former Australian Test star Michael Slater’s contract has not been renewed for the summer of cricket by Channel 7, with a newspaper speculating his criticism of Scott Morrison’s government over quarantine restrictions has played a role in the decision.
Slater, 51, was a mainstay of Channel 9’s commentary team before joining 7 in 2018.
Channel 7 told the Daily Telegraph that the decision not to renew his contract was more due to budgetary restraints than his criticism of the government.
The Telegraph claimed Slater’s infamous public challenging of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier this year at least partly contributed to his exit.
Slater, who was stuck in India as a commentator tweeted: “If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It’s a disgrace!
“Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system.
If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect
— Michael Slater (@mj_slats) May 3, 2021
“He’s a very talented broadcaster and he’s been a ripping member of our team,” Channel 7 Head of Sport Lewis Martin told The Telegraph. “It’s more about financial management than anything else and we wish Michael the very best in the future, we really do,”
“Unfortunately business decisions have to be made from time to time and unfortunately we’re not in a position to renew it.
“He was a very popular member of our team and a very talented broadcaster. I can only expect this will only be a pause (in his career).”
The Telegraph said Slater’s comments did not sit comfortably with fellow cricketers or Channel 7 executives at the time.
Slater played 74 Tests and 42 one-day internationals for Australia, scoring 6299 runs and 14 centuries.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.