Michael Clarke ‘loses a lucrative contract’ after Noosa park brawl – and could be SACKED from his $150,000 commentary job as cricket board launches investigation
- Clarke was filmed by a bystander in an explosive argument with his girlfriend
- His partner Jade Yarbrough slapped him and accused him of cheating on her
- That incident could cost Clarke a lucrative commentary job in India
- Meanwhile Clarke has been spared the axe from his Sydney Breakfast radio
- However several other sponsorship and other contracts could be in jeopardy
Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has reportedlytaken a hard hit to his hip pocket after video emerged of his wild confrontation with girlfriend Jade Yarbrough in Noosa – and now he could also lose a lucrative contract to commentate in India.
The 41-year-old was filmed by a bystander in an explosive altercation at Noosa in Queensland while on holiday with Yarbrough, her sister Jasmine and her husband and media personality Karl Stefanovic.
The footage showed Yarbrough screaming at Clarke, slapping him in the face and accusing him of allegedly cheating on her with his former partner, high-profile fashion designer Pip Edwards.
‘You want to send her to India with you?’ Yarbrough yells in the video.
‘You’re the love of my life Pip, come with me to India’
Clarke insisted he was innocent in the footage and swore on his daughter Kelsey’s life before lashing out at Stefanovic with a flurry of swear words.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Clarke’s prospective sponsorship deal with a skincare brand has already been terminated – and more could follow in the wake of the scandal.
Australia is scheduled to play India in a four-Test series starting on February 9 and Clarke was expected to fly out to be part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commentary panel that would be heard on Fox Sports.
Clarke and Jade Yarbrough were filmed in an explosive argument in a park in Noosa. She accused the former Aussie cricket captain of cheating on her
In the footage Yarbrough can be seen slapping Clarke as he insists the allegations are not true before turning on Karl Stefanovic in a foul-mouthed tirade
Clarke (pictured commentating with the late Shane Warne) is at risk of losing a lucrative TV job after the footage from Noosa was released
However, News Corp has reported that sources in India believe Clarke may be blocked by the image-conscious governing body.
The BCCI is the largest, wealthiest and most powerful body in international cricket and any move to block Clarke from his commentary role would cost the former Australian captain around $150,000 plus expenses.
The board did not respond to a request for comment from The Age, but it has form on the board after dropping Sanjay Manjrekar from its commentary team after he called Indian star Ravindra Jadeja a ‘bits-and-pieces player’ in 2019.
Clarke (front) on The Big Sports Breakfast with former NRL star Laurie Daley and Gerard Middleton. His position on the panel is not under threat
Clarke will retain his role on Sydney breakfast radio after station owners TabCorp declared his public stoush with Stefanovic a private matter.
The former skipper remains on pre-planned annual leave from his role at Sky Sports Breakfast with the station’s breakfast crew not due to return until Monday.
Clarke in India during his playing days with teammate Damien Martyn walking back to the pavillion during the first test match between India and Australia in Bangalore in 2004
A spokesperson from TabCorp said the matter was considered a private issue and Clarke was expected back on air as scheduled.
The 41-year-old is expected to address the issue when he returns to work on Monday.
A veteran of 115 Tests for Australia, Clarke has held his role at Big Sports Breakfast since he first partnered Canberra NRL legend Laurie Daley in 2020.
The prodigious run-scorer has also been in commentary as part of the ICC broadcast team for global cricket tournaments, but has no other major media position in Australia.
Clarke has since apologised for his role in the Noosa altercation, telling the Daily Telegraph he accepted full responsibility for the incident and was shattered by his actions.
‘I’m absolutely gutted I’ve put people I hold in the highest regard in this position,’ he said.
‘My actions in the lead-up to this altercation were nothing short of shameful and regrettable.
‘I own this fully and am the only one at fault.’
Stefanovic appeared in his regular role as co-host of Channel Nine’s Today Show on Thursday morning, but did not address the matter.
He did not make comment when confronted by media at Sydney Airport either.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said they were making inquiries into the incident on Thursday.
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