Usman Khawaja Calls for Collective Accountability in Sandpapergate Scandal

In a recent interview, former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja addressed the infamous Sandpapergate scandal, asserting that the entire team should share responsibility rather than placing blame solely on a few individuals. He criticized the investigation conducted by Cricket Australia as rushed and incomplete, highlighting that he was never interviewed despite being present during the incident. Khawaja's upcoming autobiography, 'Sabr', aims to shed light on the collective involvement of the team in the ball-tampering controversy. He expressed his desire for accountability and hopes that others will join him in acknowledging the truth. Warner has shown support for Khawaja's statements, reinforcing the call for a united front in addressing the past.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 23:35 IST

Khawaja's Stance on Sandpapergate

Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has clarified that his comments regarding the 2018 'Sandpapergate' incident are not aimed at blaming specific individuals. Instead, he emphasizes the need for the entire team to share responsibility for the event. Khawaja expressed doubts about the thoroughness of Cricket Australia's investigation, noting that he was never interviewed, despite being present with Cameron Bancroft during the incident.

The 'Sandpapergate' controversy involved ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, leading to significant penalties for then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and Bancroft, who received bans ranging from nine months to a year.

In anticipation of his autobiography 'Sabr', Khawaja stated that the entire Australian squad, including players and support staff, was complicit in the ball-tampering scandal. He criticized Cricket Australia's findings, which only implicated Smith, Warner, and Bancroft, and expressed a desire for the truth to be acknowledged over the past eight years.

Warner later supported Khawaja's remarks via social media.

In a recent interview with ABC, Khawaja reiterated that he is not seeking to blame individuals but rather to ensure that the three players facing sanctions do not bear the burden alone. He stated, "I’ve shared my perspective based on what I witnessed. This isn’t about a witch hunt; it’s about accountability as a team."

Khawaja also expressed his belief that the punishments given to Smith, Warner, and Bancroft were excessive. He questioned the integrity of Cricket Australia's investigation, stating, "I was never questioned, even though I was right next to Bancroft during the incident. It felt rushed and incomplete."

He clarified that his intention in discussing the scandal was to present his viewpoint and ensure that the three sanctioned players were not left to shoulder the blame alone. Khawaja emphasized that he aimed to foster a sense of collective accountability within the team.

He maintained that he avoided naming individuals or making direct accusations in his book, opting instead to focus on the need for the team to acknowledge their involvement. Khawaja stated, "It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about recognizing that we were all part of it as a team."

Khawaja concluded by stating that he stands by his account in his autobiography and does not wish to delve deeper into the matter, asserting, "I’ve shared my thoughts on social media and in my book. That’s my statement, and I won’t be discussing it further at this time."