Usman Khawaja Drops Bombshell on Sandpaper Gate: What Cricket Australia Has to Say

Cricket Australia Responds to Khawaja's Revelations

New Delhi: Cricket Australia has addressed the explosive allegations made by Usman Khawaja regarding the infamous sandpaper gate incident from the 2018 tour of South Africa, which sent shockwaves through the cricket community.

In his forthcoming book titled 'Sabr', Khawaja claims that the entire Australian squad was aware of the ball-tampering incident during the Cape Town Test and that similar tactics were employed in the preceding Test match.

In response to Khawaja's assertions, Cricket Australia stated that they have thoroughly evaluated the information provided and are confident in their previous conclusions.

The organization noted, "There has been considerable speculation in the eight years since the 2018 Cape Town Test, including extensive media coverage during last month’s series in South Africa."

They added, "Throughout this period, there has been ample opportunity to present any pertinent information, and this continues to be the case."

Cricket Australia emphasized that all relevant information submitted has been carefully reviewed, and they remain assured of their integrity process findings.

Khawaja's claims are significant, as he stated, "It was all of us. Not just the batters, bowlers, or staff. Everyone was aware," as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald ahead of his book's release.

Previously, it was widely believed that only then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and batter Cameron Bancroft were implicated, with Bancroft seen applying the object to the ball during the Test.

As a result of the scandal, Smith and Warner received one-year bans from international and domestic cricket, while Bancroft faced a nine-month suspension.

Additionally, Smith was barred from captaining Australia for two years, and Warner received a lifetime leadership ban in both international and domestic cricket, which was lifted in 2024.

Khawaja expressed his reluctance to disclose the truth, stating, "In an ideal world, I don’t want to do this. I thought the truth would have emerged by now after eight years."

He also mentioned that the South African team was "far better" at manipulating the ball and that they were "trying to keep up with them," hinting at further revelations in his book. Meanwhile, former South African captain Faf du Plessis has repeatedly claimed that his team also attempted to reverse the ball using unconventional methods, having faced sanctions for ball tampering on two occasions.