For many years, Michael Slater was remembered for his energy at the top of Australia’s batting order and later for his familiar voice behind the microphone. But his legacy has taken a decisive and painful turn. Cricket New South Wales has officially removed him from its Hall of Fame and withdrawn his life membership, ending months of internal discussion. The decision was finalised at an ordinary general meeting, where members agreed that the honours he had held for nearly ten years could no longer remain in place.
Michael Slater’s fall from grace has unfolded in full public view. Over the past several years, he has faced multiple domestic violence cases, with five women in New South Wales obtaining protection orders against him since 2016. His legal troubles escalated in 2022 when a Sydney court issued him a two-year community corrections order after he admitted to several offences, including common assault and attempted stalking.
The situation worsened earlier this year when he pleaded guilty to seven domestic violence related charges. The allegations covered a series of incidents involving assault, choking, stalking, burglary and strangulation. He received a four-year prison sentence, though part of it was suspended. Because he had already spent more than a year in custody after being refused bail in 2024, he was released following the sentencing.
Michael Slater had written to Cricket NSW, asking to retain his life membership, but his plea was rejected. This marks a stark contrast to the recognition he once enjoyed. He had been inducted into the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame in 2015 and awarded life membership the following year after a career that produced more than 5,000 international runs, 14 Test centuries and a busy commentary career that lasted until 2021.
During his trial, Judge Cash addressed him plainly, saying his battle with alcohol was deeply rooted and his recovery would not be straightforward. It was a sobering reminder of how far one of cricket’s once-brightest names has fallen and how difficult the road ahead will be.
