Usman Khawaja reopens 2018 ball-tampering scandal, says team knew

SYDNEY: Former Australian batter Usman Khawaja has defended his explosive comments about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, insisting he did not throw anyone under the bus by claiming the entire Australian team was aware of the controversial plot.

Khawaja reignited the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’ controversy on Saturday in Cape Town, ahead of the release of his autobiography this week, which includes a dedicated chapter on the scandal that rocked Australian cricket.

The 39-year-old, who retired earlier this year after playing 88 Test matches, challenged the long-standing narrative that only Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were involved in the incident during Australia’s tour of South Africa.

Speaking about the controversy, Khawaja said responsibility extended beyond the three players who received suspensions, claiming the entire team, including batters, bowlers and support staff, shared responsibility.

He also alleged that Australia had used similar ball-tampering tactics during the previous Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.

In an Instagram statement on Sunday, Khawaja clarified that his comments were about collective accountability rather than accusing individual teammates.

He argued that Smith, Warner and Bancroft had taken the blame for the wider group and faced public humiliation, with supporters branding them cheats.

Khawaja’s claims prompted a response from former head coach Darren Lehmann, who denied that widespread knowledge of the plot existed. Cricket Australia also maintained that it remained comfortable with the findings of its original investigation, which identified only Smith, Warner and Bancroft as knowing about the plan.

Khawaja also explained why he had remained silent for eight years, rejecting suggestions that his revelations were designed to generate publicity for his upcoming book.

He revealed that he initially wanted to speak publicly in 2018 after the three players were suspended. However, Smith persuaded him not to come forward because he wanted to accept responsibility as the team’s leader.

Khawaja said he considered speaking out again in 2021 after bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon publicly denied knowing about the ball-tampering operation.

Following discussions with then-coach Justin Langer, he decided against making his position public.

He acknowledged that remaining silent was difficult, particularly after returning to the Australian team in 2022, but said he prioritised the team’s interests while still playing.

Now retired, Khawaja believes he can finally discuss the controversy openly, bringing renewed attention to one of the most damaging episodes in modern Australian cricket history.