Sport · Singapore Bureau
Khawaja claims Australian cricket team knew of ball-tampering scandal
Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has alleged the entire national cricket team had knowledge of the 2018 ball-tampering incident, contradicting findings from a Cricket Australia investigation that identified only three players with prior knowledge of the plot.
LSN Singapore ·
Khawaja's claims represent a significant challenge to the official investigation into what became known as 'Sandpapergate', the high-profile scandal that rocked Australian cricket when players were caught illegally altering the ball during a Test match in South Africa in March 2018.
The Cricket Australia inquiry concluded that only three players possessed advance knowledge of the ball-tampering scheme. However, Khawaja's assertion suggests the incident may have involved broader awareness within the squad than previously established by the governing body's findings.
The 2018 scandal resulted in significant repercussions for Australian cricket, including bans and fines for senior players involved in the incident. The episode prompted substantial reforms within Cricket Australia's culture and leadership structures.
Khawaja's recent comments have reignited debate about the scope of knowledge and accountability surrounding one of the most damaging episodes in Australian cricket history. The claims remain to be formally addressed by Cricket Australia officials.