Khawaja Claims Entire Australian Team Knew of Sandpapergate Scandal
Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja revealed on Saturday that the entire team was aware of the ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Test in Cape Town, known as the “Sandpapergate” scandal. He added that the tactic had also been used in the preceding Test at Port Elizabeth.
Captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were sent home in disgrace after an investigation revealed they were the only players with prior knowledge of the scheme. Smith received a one-year ban and was removed as captain, while Warner was also suspended for 12 months, losing all leadership roles. Bancroft faced a nine-month ban. Head coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement but resigned shortly after.
Khawaja, who retired this year after 88 Tests, discussed the scandal with The Sydney Morning Herald, stating that everyone was involved. “It was all of us,” he asserted, mentioning that his autobiography, due for release next week, includes a chapter on the matter.
While bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon denied knowing anything about the scandal in 2021, Khawaja said he urged the team in the dressing room post-Cape Town to take collective responsibility rather than blame Warner, Smith, and Bancroft.
“I don’t want to be the one who comes out and talks about the truth,” Khawaja explained. He expressed disappointment that the truth had not emerged sooner, believing others would have spoken up by now.
In his book, Khawaja claims that discussions on roughening the ball occurred during the second Test in Port Elizabeth, now Gqeberha. He alleges that Smith distanced himself from the idea upon realising its implications. Bancroft then reportedly volunteered to use sandpaper during South Africa’s first innings in Gqeberha, leading to noticeable ball movement.
Cricket Australia stated they are “comfortable” with the initial findings of their investigation but remain open to new evidence. They noted that plenty of speculation has circulated in the eight years since the incident, and any new relevant information will still be considered.
