Khawaja refuses to name players in sandpaper scandal
Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has refused to name players who allegedly knew about the ball-tampering scandal during the 2018 Test series against South Africa. Khawaja said he wanted the entire Australian team to accept collective responsibility rather than single out individuals. His remarks have intensified the controversy surrounding the infamous Cape Town Test.
Khawaja rules out naming teammates
In an interview with Australian broadcaster ABC, Khawaja said he was sharing his version of events and had deliberately avoided identifying specific players in his autobiography. He maintained that his intention was not to point fingers or trigger a witch hunt against former teammates.
When directly asked whether Australia’s current Test captain Pat Cummins knew about the ball-tampering, Khawaja declined to answer. He said he wanted the responsibility for the scandal to extend beyond the three players who faced disciplinary action.
Book tour continues despite reports
Meanwhile, Khawaja’s publisher Penguin has denied reports that his autobiography promotional tour had been cancelled. The publisher said the tour was continuing, although some adjustments had been made to the schedule.
The controversy follows the publication of Khawaja’s autobiography, in which he questioned the extent of knowledge about the ball-tampering plot within the Australian team.
Warner backs Khawaja’s account
Former Australia vice-captain David Warner has supported Khawaja’s allegations, describing the claims in the book as accurate. Warner also said the truth would eventually emerge.
In the 2018 Cape Town Test against South Africa, Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball. Captain Steve Smith and Warner received one-year suspensions, while Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban.
Cricket Australia’s investigation had concluded that the team’s bowling attack was unaware of the ball-tampering plan. The controversy has resurfaced following Khawaja’s revelations and renewed questions over accountability in Australian cricket.
