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Cummins hits back at Khawaja over ball-tampering allegations

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has strongly rejected claims made by fellow player Usman Khawaja regarding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, labelling the account as irresponsible and factually incorrect.

LSN India · 13 November 2026

Cummins hits back at Khawaja over ball-tampering allegations

Pat Cummins has launched a forthright defence against allegations linked to Australia's 2018 ball-tampering controversy, dismissing Usman Khawaja's version of events as fundamentally flawed. The Australian captain expressed concern that Khawaja's narrative misrepresents key facts surrounding the incident that had previously rocked Australian cricket.

Cummins indicated that Khawaja's recounting of the Sandpapergate affair lacks accuracy and responsibility, particularly given the sensitivity of the matter within Australian cricket circles. The incident, which emerged during a Test series in South Africa, had resulted in significant consequences for the sport in the country.

The captain's remarks come as part of ongoing discussions within the Australian cricket community about the events and circumstances of the 2018 scandal. Cummins' strong pushback suggests continued tension over how the episode is characterized and remembered in public discourse.

The ball-tampering scandal had previously prompted investigations and disciplinary action within Cricket Australia, marking one of the most significant controversies in recent Australian sporting history. Cummins' intervention indicates that questions surrounding the incident continue to generate debate among players and officials involved.