Vaughan makes first commentary appearance on UK TV after racism accusations

Michael Vaughan could be heard commentating on the Big Bash on Sky Sports, despite getting dropped by BT Sport and the BBC after he was accused of making a racist comment

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

The video will auto-play soon8Cancel

Play now

Azeem Rafiq gives testimony regarding cricket racism row

Despite getting dropped from both BT Sport and the BBC’s coverage of the ongoing Ashes series, Michael Vaughan could be heard on Sky Sports’ broadcast of the Big Bash.

Vaughan was named in Yorkshire ‘s report into the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal and was accused of making a racially insensitive remark to a group of Asian players.

It was alleged that he told them there were “too many of you lot, we need to do something about it” – a claim Vaughan has categorically and repeatedly denied.

Rafiq’s allegation has since been backed up by former Yorkshire overseas player Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and current England star Adil Rashid, who both claim they heard Vaughan make the comment in question.

As a result, the BBC dropped Vaughan from their cricket coverage, stating that his involvement in such a significant story “represents a conflict of interest”.

Vaughan is currently in Australia to commentate on the Ashes for host broadcaster Fox Sports, but he was not present at the first two Tests after a positive Covid test delayed his trip.

He will be on commentary for the final three Tests of the series though, but he will not be heard in the UK.

BT Sport, who are carrying Fox Sports’ coverage of the Ashes, stated that “including Michael Vaughan within our Ashes coverage would not be editorially appropriate”.

As a result, they have instead flown David Gower to Australia to provide commentary for them instead of Vaughan.

Fox Sports are also the host broadcaster for the Big Bash, Australia’s T20 franchise competition, and their coverage of the tournament is being screened in the UK by Sky Sports.

After Vaughan emerged from his quarantine period in Australia, he was used on commentary for the Big Bash game between the Perth Scorchers and the Hobart Hurricanes and he was heard on the Sky Sports broadcast.