David Warner breaks silence, backs Khawaja’s Sandpapergate claims

Former Australia opener David Warner has broken his eight-year silence on the infamous 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, publicly supporting Usman Khawaja’s latest revelations and raising fresh questions about Cricket Australia’s investigation into the controversy.

Warner described Khawaja’s account as “100% accurate” in a video shared on social media, thanking his former teammate for speaking out about an incident that continues to cast a shadow over Australian cricket.

“It’s been eight years since I’ve spoken on this topic, and Uzzy, I throw my full support behind you. I thank you for what you’ve done. It’s 100% accurate what you’ve said,” Warner said.

The former opener particularly questioned why Khawaja was never interviewed during Cricket Australia’s investigation, despite reportedly sitting beside Cameron Bancroft in the dressing room when the incident unfolded.

Warner described the inquiry as rushed and poorly handled, arguing that the investigation failed to properly establish the full extent of what happened.

“This whole interview process was rushed and botched. Uzzy was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft. Uzzy was not interviewed. How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me,” he said.

He added that the renewed discussion should focus on accountability and transparency rather than continuing to scrutinise the players who were punished.

According to Warner, those responsible for conducting the investigation should also face questions about whether the truth was fully examined.

The controversy has returned to the spotlight following Khawaja’s revelations in his upcoming autobiography, which features a dedicated chapter on the scandal.

The former Australian batter claimed that awareness of the ball-tampering plan extended beyond the three players who received sanctions: then captain Steve Smith, Warner and Bancroft.

“It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us,” Khawaja said while describing the extent of the team’s alleged knowledge.

He also claimed that Australia had employed similar methods during the preceding Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, where the ball reportedly generated significant swing.

Warner acknowledged the difficult period experienced by everyone involved, including their families, but insisted that Khawaja’s account deserved to be heard.

“It’s been a tough time for my family, Steven and Cameron no doubt, but this is what needed to come out,” he added.

The latest developments have reopened one of Australian cricket’s most damaging chapters, raising fresh questions about the investigation, team accountability and how much of the story was revealed in 2018.