SYDNEY: Former Australia opener David Warner has thrown his full support behind Usman Khawaja’s claims about the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal, declaring that his former teammate’s account is “100 per cent correct” and that the truth is finally coming out.
Warner made the remarks in a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, saying it had been eight years since he last spoke publicly about the controversy but that he stood firmly alongside Khawaja, whom he described as a former teammate and close friend.
“I stand by Usman and what he has said is 100 per cent correct,” Warner said, thanking Khawaja for having the courage to speak out.
Khawaja Claims Entire Australian Team Knew About Ball-Tampering Plan
Khawaja reignited the controversy on Saturday by claiming that knowledge of the plan to alter the ball’s condition extended beyond the three players who were punished.
According to Khawaja, the entire Australian team, including batters, bowlers and support staff, knew about the plan.
“We were all involved. Not just the batters, not just the bowlers, not just the staff. The whole team knew,” Khawaja claimed.
His autobiography, due to be published this week, reportedly includes an entire chapter dedicated to the scandal.
What Happened in the 2018 Sandpaper Scandal?
The controversy erupted during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018.
Australian opener Cameron Bancroft was caught on television attempting to rough up the ball’s surface using sandpaper.
The footage triggered an international cricket storm, prompting widespread criticism of the Australian team and an investigation by Cricket Australia.
The investigation held captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft responsible for the ball-tampering incident.
Smith was stripped of the captaincy and banned from cricket for 12 months. Warner also received a 12-month suspension and was barred from holding leadership positions in Australian cricket. Bancroft was handed a nine-month suspension.
Warner Questions Cricket Australia’s Investigation
Warner also criticised Cricket Australia’s original investigation, describing it as rushed and inadequate.
He questioned why Khawaja, who was reportedly sitting with Bancroft at the time, was never interviewed as part of the investigation.
Warner said the omission raised serious questions about how the inquiry could be considered thorough and comprehensive.
He stressed that revisiting the controversy was not about reopening old wounds but acknowledging that some wounds never fully heal.
According to Warner, speaking the truth requires courage, particularly when people expect you to remain silent. He added that the passage of time does not eliminate the need for accountability.
Cricket Australia Stands by Original Findings
Cricket Australia has defended its original investigation following Khawaja’s claims, saying it remains satisfied with the findings.
The governing body had concluded that knowledge of the ball-tampering plan was limited to Smith, Warner and Bancroft.
Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with spinner Nathan Lyon, publicly denied knowing about the plan in 2021.
Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann also rejected claims on Saturday that other members of the team had prior knowledge of the incident.
Khawaja Says Three Players Took the Blame for the Team
Khawaja claimed that Smith, Warner and Bancroft had taken the blame for the entire team.
He said the three players endured public humiliation, intense criticism and hostility from spectators, with all three branded cheats.
According to Khawaja, the trio became the public faces of the scandal and paid a heavy personal and professional price.
Warner Says Scandal Took a Toll on Families
Warner said the past eight years had been extremely difficult for his family, as well as for Smith and Bancroft.
However, he believes the truth that needed to emerge has now finally come to light.
Warner retired from Test cricket in 2024, while Khawaja also brought his international cricket career to an end earlier this year.
Khawaja’s latest revelations, backed by Warner, have once again brought one of Australian cricket’s most controversial episodes into the spotlight.
