Usman Khawaja's new book challenges the long-standing narrative that only a small group was aware of tactics used during the controversial Cape Town match. Although Khawaja was cleared during the initial inquiry, he claims discussions about ball-altering methods were widely shared among teammates. Cricket Australia affirmed on Saturday that its integrity process remains sound, while noting it stays open to reviewing any newly presented evidence. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins has dismissed concerns that the revelations will destabilize the current national squad.
Key points
The governing body continues to stand behind the penalties and findings issued from the o…: The governing body continues to stand behind the penalties and findings issued from the original 2018 integrity investigation.
Former head coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement during the Cape Town i…: Former head coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement during the Cape Town inquiry before resigning from his position.
Australia recently concluded its first test tour of South Africa since 2018, losing the t…: Australia recently concluded its first test tour of South Africa since 2018, losing the three-match series two games to one.
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SYDNEY, Nov 7 : Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja said in a new autobiography excerpted on Saturday that discussions about ball-tampering during Australia's 2018 tour of South Africa were more widespread within the team than Cricket Australia's investigation found.
The "Sandpapergate" scandal over Australia's scuffing of the ball with sandpaper in the March 2018 test in Cape Town sparked a major integrity crisis for Cricket Australia.
In a statement on Saturday, the governing body defended its 2018 probe that concluded prior knowledge was confined to three players — Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Khawaja, in extracts of his autobiography published in the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday, claimed "open, lighthearted discussions" were held during the South Africa series about ways to scuff up the ball, including by using sandpaper.
He said discussion of tampering was not confined to batters, bowlers or staff but extended throughout the team.
"It was all of us," Khawaja, a former top-order batsman who played 88 tests for Australia, said in the book, according to the newspaper.
The veteran Indian fast bowler has brought an end to his 12-year red-ball journey after contending with injury setbacks and missing national selection following the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 36-year-old plans to remain available for India in limited-overs formats while tributes pour in from former teammates. His departure marks the conclusion of a key era in India's pace bowling attack.
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